European Tour returns after 8 years with Thailand Classic

The US$2-million tournament, co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, marks the first time the European Tour stops in Thailand since the Johnnie Walker Classic, which was held at the Blue Canyon Country Club in 2007.

A special “Pride of Thailand” trophy has been designed for the Classic by Thailand’s acclaimed Chang Sip Mu craftsmen. The aesthetic trophy, featuring unique Thai art, signifies the pride of the Thai people and and is a combination of traditional Thai craft and contemporary design.

The prize money of US$2 million is a record for a golf event in Thailand. The tournament, which is also part of the prestigious Race to Dubai series, is expected to attract a strong field including many of Europe’s successful Ryder Cup squad which comprehensively defeated the United States last year.

The year 2015 will be the busiest for golf events in Thailand with a total of seven international events taking place in various parts of the country. Apart from the Thailand Classic, the Chiang Mai Classic, Thailand Open, a OneAsia event, Queen’s Cup, King’s Cup, Thailand Golf Championship and LPGA Thailand make it an abundant golf calendar in the Kingdom.

 “We are delighted to be returning to Thailand for the Thailand Classic after eight years. It is an honour to have one of our 48 European Tour events held in Thailand, which is also a part of the exciting Race to Dubai series,” said European Tour’s Ben Cowen.

 “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 Thailand has to offer,” he added.

Asian Tour’s Chief Executive Officer, Mike Kerr was enthusiastic about having the new tournament on the Tour calendar.

 “The Asian Tour is honoured to celebrate the staging of the inaugural Thailand Classic,” he said. “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,” said Kerr.

The Black Mountain course, which has hosted three Asian Tour events since its opening 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. Also supporting the event are ThaiTicket Major, Golf Channel, AJP and Travel Channel. 

 

Spieth ‘very far away’ 

Rising star Jordan Spieth obliterated world No 1 Rory McIlroy by 15 strokes in his runaway Australian Open triumph, but says he is “very far away” from becoming the top-ranked player.

He said he was a long way from challenging for the world number one ranking, even though he was expected to climb to 11 from 14 after his Australian triumph.

“I think I’m very far away. This week was big because I was able to close it out,” he said.

“I felt the pressure, I felt the nerves and performed the best I’ve ever performed and there’s a big difference from playing great at Augusta and coming up just short and closing out a tournament.

“It just feels completely different. Even though that week was one of the most memorable of my golfing career it still wasn’t a win and it still wasn’t the same feeling that it was this week walking down the 18th fairway,” he added.

“In order to do this in majors it’s going to take a lot more than it took this week.

“I still believe I am far away because I believe I have to win a major or two in order to significantly progress to that goal of being world number one and so now I look to April [Augusta Masters].”