The Thailand Classic is set to welcome the best players from The European Tour and Asian Tour when it gets underway at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin from February 12-15 next year.
It will be the first time in eight years that the European Tour has co-sanctioned an event in Thailand with the Asian Tour.
A special “Pride of Thailand’’ trophy has been designed for the tournament, with the beautiful trophy featuring unique Thai art a reflection of the effort which has gone into establishing this tournament.
The trophy signifies the pride of the Thai people in hosting the prestigious event and was designed by Thailand’s acclaimed Chang Sip Mu craftsmen as a combination of traditional Thai craft and contemporary design.
The US$2 million prize fund is a record for a golf event in Thailand, one which will form part of the prestigious Race to Dubai series, and is expected to attract a strong field including many of Europe’s top stars.
Ben Cowen, European Tour’s Deputy Director of International Policy, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Thailand for the Thailand Classic after eight years. It is an honour to have one of our 47 European Tour events held in Thailand, which is also a part of the exciting Race to Dubai series.
“I am sure the European golfing stars will thrill the local golf fans. At the same time the golfers will enjoy the famous Thai hospitality and the wonderful attractions the country has to offer.”
Mike Kerr, the Asian Tour’s Chief Executive Officer, was enthusiastic about having the new tournament on the Tour calendar, saying: “The Asian Tour is honored to celebrate the staging of the inaugural Thailand Classic. It is not only the richest golf tournament in the Kingdom but also Thailand’s only co-sanctioned tournament by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
“The Black Mountain Golf Club is a wonderful host venue, having won numerous accolades. I applaud the efforts of all of our partners including event promoter MUSE Group for making this event possible.”
The Black Mountain course, which has already hosted three Asian Tour events since it opened in 2007, is regarded as one of the best in the region and has won high praise from leading golfers. It has also been named the best golf course in Thailand for the past three years.
This event has been made possible by its two promoters, MUSE Group Bangkok and media investor, Asia Joint Panorama Plc. (AJP), and Riduwan Matni, Chief Executive Officer of the MUSE Group, is confident the tournament would be a huge success.
“We are very proud that Thailand has become one of the 26 countries that host a European Tour event,” he said. “It is the biggest golf event that we have ever worked on. With our co-promoter, AJP, we have a commitment for at least three years to make the Thailand Classic the pride of the Thai people.”
The Thailand Classic has also received great support from the PTT Group, Black Mountain Golf Club, Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Thailand Professional Golf Association (TPGA), Chang, Bangkok Hospital, Titleist and the Intercontinental Hotel & Resort Hua Hin.
Also supporting the event are ThaiTicket Major, Golf Channel, AJP and Travel Channel.
