5 things: Fatigued Patty Tavatanakit digs deep, takes share of lead at Honda LPGA Thailand

Even the Thai natives in the field are doing what they can to conserve energy in the 90-plus degree heat.

It’s hot in Thailand which, of course, comes as no surprise. Even the Thai natives in the field are doing what they can to conserve energy in the 90-plus degree heat, especially Patty Tavatanakit, who enjoyed an emotional victory last week on the Ladies European Tour at the Aramco Saudi Ladies Invitational.

A weary Tavatanakit holds a share of the midway lead at the Honda LPGA Thailand with Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom and Sei Young Kim of South Korea at 10-under 134. Kim, a 12-time winner on the LPGA, last won in 2020, the same year Sagstrom won her first and only title. While Tavatanakit won last week on the LET, she hasn’t won on the LPGA since her maiden victory at the 2021 ANA Inspiration.

With 11 Thai players in the field, there’s plenty for locals to celebrate. Three Thai players are in the top 10, including 2021 Honda LPGA Thailand champion Ariya Jutanugarn.

Here are five things to know from Round 2 at Siam Country Club in steamy Chonburi: