Golf News

LOCH LOMOND, Scotland: Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Sweden's Alexander Noren shared the first round lead at the Scottish Open on Thursday as the tournament's heavy artillery failed to fire.

An early starter, former paratrooper Thongchai made light of rain-soaked conditions and the back problems which have blighted his season to fire eight birdies in a seven-under-par 64 that was matched by Noren late in the day.

Noren, 25, started slowly but he picked up six shots on his last nine holes to join Thongchai in the lead, a shot clear of 2007 US Open champion Angel Cabrera (65).

BANGKOK, Thailand -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with Golfasian have organized a five day golf familiarization (FAM) trip for Australian travel agents to Bangkok and Hua Hin that introduced them to the premier golfing available at these two Thai destinations. Golf travel representatives from the different Australian markets expressed their great satisfaction with and impression about golf in Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand indicated that the success of the golf FAM would help to lift the profile of Bangkok and Hua Hin as year round destinations for Australian golfers.

Chiang Rai (Thailand), June 29 (IANS) Arjun Singh managed an even par 72 on the final day to finish tied 15th and cap a modest week for the Indian golfers at the Singha Thai PGA Championships here Sunday.

Arjun ended the week at six-under 282, best score among the Indians, while youngster Gaganjeet Bhullar turned in a card of two-under 70 to finish 20th. Arjun took a cheque of $3,966 while Bhullar earned $3,285.

Of the other Indians, Gaurav Ghei had his worst day of the week with a 75 that saw him finish at even par 288 and in tied 44th place while Harmeet Kahlon (71), who was one-over 289 and tied 49. Amandeep Johl (77) was tied 56th at five-over 293.

The Thailand Open is set to return in 2009 after a three-year absence and could be the latest addition to the Asian Tour schedule.

The tournament began in 1965 but, due to lack of sponsorship, has not been played since New Zealander Richard Lee won the 2005 event at Blue Canyon Golf and Country Club on Phuket Island.

However, Singapore-based promoters World Sport Group (WSG) announced in a press release on Tuesday that they had reached agreement and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Thailand Golf Association to promote the event for the next three years.