With less than two months to go, anticipation is growing for the inaugural US$2 million Thailand Golf Classic to be held at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin from February 12-15.
It is the first time in eight years that an Asian Tour event held in Thailand is being co-sanctioned by the European Tour.
The US$2 million prize money is a record for a tournament in Thailand and with the backing of the European Tour for at least three years it is being regarded as an exciting new chapter in the kingdom’s golfing history.
Thongchai Jaidee has been appointed official ambassador for the inaugural Thailand Golf Classic, to be held in Hua Hin from February 12-15.
The Classic, which will be part of the prestigious Race to Dubai series, is expected to attract top players from the European Tour including many of the successful Ryder Cup squad which performed so well against the US at Gleneagles in September.
Among the Ryder Cup stars already confirmed are the charismatic Englishman, Ian Poulter, and the exciting young Frenchman, Victor Dubuisson. In addition to his Ryder Cup success in which he has proved to be a key player in Europe’s victories, Poulter has won an impressive 12 European Tour titles plus two events on the Asian Tour.
Another familiar face who will be attending the Classic is Thomas Bjorn. The 43-year-old is Denmark’s most successful player ever, having won 15 tournaments on the European Tour.
Among the Asian stars participating will be Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, who is internationally recognized as one of the best players ever to come out of Asia.
Thongchai has been officially appointed the Tournament Ambassador in recognition of his contribution to Thai golf.
“It is a great honour to be named the Tournament Ambassador,” said the Thai star. “I am very proud that Thailand will be hosting the Classic which will attract some of the best golfers in the world.”
In addition to his 13 Asian Tour titles, Thongchai, 45, has won six European Tour events and has been in excellent form the past 12 months.
Another Asian star lined up for the Classic is Japan’s Koumei Oda, leading money-winner on the Japan Tour in 2014. Oda also has an impressive eight Japan Tour titles to his name.
