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.
“This is an extremely exciting initiative for the Thailand Golf Association that we are confident will see the Thailand Open return to its glory days,” said TGA president Rungsrid Luxsitanonda.
“As everyone knows Thailand’s golfers are at the forefront of the game in Asia with so many great players but the one thing missing has been that fact that our national Open has not been played since 2005.
“We are delighted that the tournament will be re-launched at a time when the game is flourishing more than ever in Asia,” added Rungsrid.
The Thailand Open will become the latest addition to WSG’s impressive list of Asian golf events that includes the Asian Tour’s flagship event, the USD 5 million Barclays Singapore Open, the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia and the Hero Honda Indian Open.
“Our record speaks for it itself and we are indebted to the Thailand Golf Association for allowing us to work alongside them so that we can build the Thailand Open into one of the premier events in the region once again,” said WSG senior vice-president Chris Jordan.
Sources revealed to PA Sport that event organisers are currently negotiating with the Asian Tour to add the Thailand Open to next year’s Tour calendar.
The date and total prize money for the event have yet to be finalised.
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Our next plan is Vietnam next year, and we will leave it Golf Asian to plan it out for us
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Collection to and from Golf Courses superb. Always on time. Collected from and returned to BKK airport.
Very highly recommended
Thanks to Darren and Por for a very enjoyable golf tripNoel Greene - The service from start to finish was excellent (late changes to room requirements, number of players etc not a problem). Effective communication was maintained from start to finish. A very fair price for the services provided (I make a lot of trips to Thailand for golf so I know the general costs of hotels, transport, golf if you book directly). I like to use a service provider for larger groups to avoid all the administrative hassle and this is the second time I have used Golf Asian - it will certainly not be the last time. They take all the pressure off the planners/organizers, which meant we could all relax and enjoy the holiday. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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Their service is of the highest quality, their knowledge of the market is second to none, and most importantly their staff, we have dealt with Lit extensively and she is amazing, and so are all the other staff, including the drivers, and airport meet and greet staff
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On behalf of Good Morning Vietnam Golf Tour 2018 Good job everyone🏌️♂️
Patrick Chan - Knowing well on golfer’s needs and wants. Helpful 24/7 hot line.
Htun Nay Win - Thanks Win!!
A very well organised golfing holiday. Very accommodating to slight changes we requested, we will be back👍😊
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Rod Harvey
