The stage is set. The 2025 Honda LPGA Thailand is back at the Siam Country Club in Chonburi, kicking off the LPGA Tour’s three-week long Asia swing. Additionally, defending champion Patty Tavatanakit will lead the charge to the event from February 20, where a $1.7 million purse is up for grabs. The winner will, however, take home $255,000 (8.6 million Baht).

Last year, 25-year-old Tavatanakit claimed her 2nd LPGA Tour victory, finishing with a 67 in the final round to beat Albane Valenzuela by one stroke. This year seems moderate for Patty, as she finished T20 at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. She currently sits at T33 at LPGA Thailand. Though fans’ keen eyes are fixed on Akie Iwai, who is currently in 1st place.

Jeeno Thitikul, Celine Boutier, Allisen Corpuz, and Pimpisa Rubrong are the top names teeing off this LPGA season. With the action back at the Siam Country Club, this week is off to a great start, featuring many rookie players on the field as well. Now that we know that, let’s take a quick look at the format of the event—it’s quite exciting!

Interestingly, this tournament features a limited field with no cut, allowing all 72 players to compete in every round, all vying for the grand prize of $255,000. The event will take place in a stroke play format over four days, featuring 72 holes at the Siam Country Club Old Course in Pattaya. Undoubtedly, the player with the lowest total score after all four rounds will win.

Well, now that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at what the first round of the Honda LPGA Thailand looks like. It’s quite exciting!

Honda LPGA Thailand witnesses history on its first round

Playing in her first event on the top women’s tour, 22-year-old Akie Iwai has taken the tour by storm. How, you ask? Here’s the answer: in the opening round of the tournament, the Japanese golfer shot a remarkable 10-under 62, the lowest score in the event’s history! The six-time JLPGA winner recorded seven birdies on the front nine. Quite impressive, right? But that’s not all for Akie—she is also tied for the 18-hole tournament scoring record.

Now, a quick look at the other golfers active on the stunning course. Maja Stark is standing alone in 2nd position at 7 under, followed by Thai veteran Moriya Jutanugarn at 6 under. Nanna Koerrz Madsen, the 2022 winner, is at 5 under alongside Ko Jin Young and Angel Yin.

The defending champion struggled during the first round but managed to finish at 1 under par. Similarly, world no 2, Jeeno Thitikul birdied the final four holes to finish at 4 under, alongside Chanettee Wannasaen.

Well, that was a look at some of the players. While you’re at it, make sure to catch the course actions on the Golf Channel and let us know what predictions you have for our star golfers!