Bangkok: The development of golf in Thailand received a shot in the arm when it was announced that over 50 local professionals will feature in 144-man field at the King’s Cup next month.
Staged at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club from November 29 to December 2, 2012, the King’s Cup is one of the three Asian Tour events to be staged in Thailand this season.
The King’s Cup, which is making its return after a year’s absence following the floods in the capital city of Bangkok last year, is already enjoying a welcome revival with its prize fund increasing to US$500,000 this year.
Apart from the Asian Tour Qualifying School held in January, the King’s Cup together with marquee events like the Thailand Golf Championship and Queen’s Cup offer a total prize money of US$1.8 million to the region’s finest players in Thailand.
With this year’s edition getting a fair representation of local players, Thailand’s best golf professionals will have the opportunity to take on the region’s best players and sharpen their game.
Over the years, many promising Thai golfers have developed into world-class players by taking advantage of their playing opportunities on the Asian Tour.
They include Asian Tour winners such as Thaworn Wiratchant, who holds the record of 15 victories, three-time Order of Merit winner Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Chinnarat Phadungsil and Prom Meesawat.
“We believe that the King’s Cup will unearth future talents of golf from Thailand and also showcase to the world the magnificent golf culture that we have throughout the country,” said Sangvien Boonto, Deputy Governor, Sports Authority of Thailand.
“Like previous editions, we’re confident that the King’s Cup will once again be a success,” added Sangvien.
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.
The King’s Cup is the third last event on the Asian Tour this season and will play an integral part in the Order of Merit race where record-holder Thaworn Wiratchant is currently leading following two wins in Malaysia and India this season.
By Indian Sports News Network