Former Masters Tournament champion Charl Schwartzel and reigning Asian Tour number one Kiradech Aphibarnrat will lend their star credentials to the PTT sponsored Chiangmai Golf Classic in July.
Title holder Scott Hend of Australia and Korean star K.T. Kim, a multiple winner in Japan, have also confirmed their participation in the prestigious US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour tournament at the award-winning Alpine Golf Resort from July 3-6.
Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa will be one of the star names lining up at the Chiangmai Golf Classic from July 3-6.
The powerful quartet will join US PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner of the United States who was earlier announced as the first marquee name for the Chiangmai Golf Classic, which was successfully launched last season.
Schwartzel, holder of 12 international victories including the 2011 Masters Tournament, is looking forward to a return to the ‘Land of Smiles’ as he was victorious in the 2012 Thailand Golf Championship on the Asian Tour.
The current world number 18 said: “I am looking forward to my first appearance at the Chiangmai Golf Classic. I have enjoyed some success in Thailand in the past and it would be fantastic if I can produce my best golf once again to secure my second victory in the country which I truly enjoy visiting.
“I have heard a lot of wonderful comments about the Alpine Golf Resort and also the city of Chiang Mai and I can’t wait to get there. This year, I have played some good golf but it would be great if I can land my first victory of 2014 in Thailand.”
Meanwhile, defending champion Scott Hend says he is looking forward to a return to the Alpine Golf Resort, which served up one of three victories for him last season en route to finishing second on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit behind Kiradech.
“It will be fun to defend my title against what is looking to be another strong field in July with the likes of Charl Schwartzel, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Jason Dufner and K.T. Kim taking part,” said the Aussie.
“I enjoyed winning the Chiangmai Golf Classic last year after shooting a final round of 64 to win by three shots and those are good memories to bring with me when I go back to Chiang Mai to defend my title.”
