Bangkok: Thailand will welcome back the King’s Cup on the Asian Tour Schedule in November with an increased prize fund of US$500,000, organisers announced today.

The tournament was not staged last year following the floods in the capital city of Bangkok.
 
The Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club in Khon Kaen, northeast of Bangkok, will once again host this year’s King’s Cup from November 29 to December 2, 2012.
 
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) will continue to be the main sponsor of the King’s Cup, which is one of three Asian Tour tournaments held in the Kingdom.
 
The other events are the US$300,000 Queen’s Cup in Koh Samui in June and US$1 million Thailand Golf Championship at Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok, which is slated the week after the King’s Cup.
 
“We are honoured and proud to announce the return of the King’s Cup after a one-year lapse due to unforeseen circumstances last year,” said Kanokphand Chulakasem, Governor of SAT.
 
“This year’s King’s Cup will offer a total prize fund of US$500,000, which is an increase of US$200,000 from the last edition in 2010. We are delighted to work closely with the Asian Tour as the game continues to grow in our country and across Asia.
 
“We hope this tournament will inspire Thai golfers to excel in the game and follow in the footsteps of many great players such as Boonchu Ruangkit, Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant who have achieved unrivalled success on the Asian Tour. I am sure the Thai golfers will be inspired to win this prestigious tournament.”
 
Thailand’s Udorn Duangdecha claimed a memorable maiden Asian Tour victory at the 2010 edition and he will be expected to defend his crown in November against the region’s top stars. Chinese Taipei’s Chan Yih-shin was victorious in 2009.
 
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han expressed his appreciation to the Sports Authority of Thailand for the increase in prize money.
 
“We are delighted to welcome back the King’s Cup. It is tremendous that the Sports Authority of Thailand is fully supporting the Asian Tour as it also supports the Queen’s Cup and our Qualifying School,” said Han.
 
“With the King’s Cup being held towards the tail-end of our 2012 season, the outcome of the tournament will have a bearing on the Order of Merit race and also for players fighting to keep their Tour cards. We expect the leading stars challenging for the Merit title to play in the King’s Cup which will be great for golf fans in Khon Kaen.”

By Indian Sports News Network