By Matt Smith
The Aramco Team Series — Bangkok will have some added spice as three of Thailand’s top golfers have confirmed they will be taking part in the May 12-14 event at Thai Country Club.

World No. 14 Patty Tavatanakit is ready to show why she is one of the hottest properties on the Ladies European Tour when she makes her Aramco Team Series debut next month.

Th 22-year-old shot to prominence over the past 12 months thanks to claiming a stunning victory in the 2021 ANA Inspiration, plus multiple other top 10 performances, including at two more majors — the PGA Championship and British Open.

Ariya Jutanugarn

She will be joined by former world No. 1 and two-time major winner Ariya Jutanugarn and her sister and world No. 42 Moriya, helping boost local interest in the $1 million Aramco event.

The Aramco Team Series has been expanded to five events this season after last year’s successful debut, with Bangkok having the honour of hosting the opening event, where four-player teams compete for the title while the golfers also fight it out for individual honours. Using a draft system, each team captain picks their first player, before being randomly allocated a third professional and an amateur.

This season will also see a revised format for the event with the team event taking place over the first two days, with the third round for individuals making the cut in a last-day shootout.

“It’s amazing to see global tournaments like the Aramco Team Series come to my hometown of Bangkok,” Tavatanakit said. “The ATS tournaments are providing really cool opportunities for players all over the world and the new wave of female talent in Thailand to get chances on the LET and impress in front of the world. There’s a real buzz for women’s golf in Thailand after some of our performances on the international stage so it’s a great chance to keep that momentum.”

Following the curtain-raiser in Bangkok, the Aramco Team Series jets off around the world, and golf’s first team event series on any professional tour will head to London (Centurion Club, June 16-18), Sotogrande (La Reserva Club De Sotogrande, August 18-20), New York (Venue TBC, October 13-15), and Jeddah (Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, November 9-11).

Moriya Jutanugarn

“I’ve heard really positive things about the Aramco Team Series with a fresh format and the chance to play and connect with different players on the LET,” Ariya Jutanugarn said. “It gives players a lot more to play for during a tournament week both as a team and as an individual. I’ve enjoyed success before in team formats alongside my sister Moriya – so I’m looking forward to seeing who I get to team up with in the draft and a chance to host them on home soil in Thailand.”

Majed Al Sorour, Deputy Chairman and CEO of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation added: “The Aramco Team Series is bigger and better this year and it’s exciting to expand to Asia and one of golf’s fastest growing markets in Thailand. It’s a hotbed of talent with players now getting more opportunities to mix it with the LET’s very best players in different formats with global exposure. It’s a chance to showcase the growth of women’s sport, superstar names and the next generation — all from a perfect venue in Bangkok to kick off the new ATS season.”

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