Bangkok Airways boosts Queen’s Cup prize money sky-high
Samui –BANGKOK AIRWAYS, the main sponsor, has increased the prize money for the prestigious Queen’s Cup by US$200,000 to mark the ninth edition and also to attract some of the best talent in Asia to the challenging and picturesque Santiburi Samui Country Club.
The 10th leg of the Asian Tour’s 2017 season, which will be played from June 15 to 18, will reward all golfers making the cut with total prize money of $500,000.
Since making its debut on the Asian Tour in 2009, the Queen’s Cup has seen Thai heroes Prayad Marksaeng and Thaworn Wiratchant, Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka and last year’s winner Scott Hend of Australia, who went on to claim the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit crown, take the honours. Hend shot 15-under-par 269 to hold off Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul for a one-shot victory. Bangkok Airways’ communications director Kridhakorn Sirabhabhoj said staging the tournament was a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. “Over the years, the Queen’s Cup has produced many stellar champions and provided inspiration for Thai golfers to achieve their dreams. We are delighted to be given the opportunity to play a leading role in staging this tournament.
“The Queen’s Cup also provides us with a wonderful platform to promote Koh Samui as a world-class holiday and golf destination. The media and television exposure have been highly effective in promoting these important elements for Bangkok Airways,” he said.
Sports Authority of Thailand governor, Sakon Wannapong said his organisation is excited to support the Queen’s Cup, which plays an important role in developing golf in the country. “Thai golfers Thaworn, Prayad and Chinnarat Phadungsil have won the Queen’s Cup and inspired many Thai youngsters to take up the game. Victory for a Thai golfer would mean a massive career leap as the winner’s exemption would subsequently open the door to a global stage due to Asian Tour’s successful co-sanction programme with other major international tours,” he said.
Josh Burack, CEO of the Asian Tour, believes the event will deliver yet another thrilling week for golf fans. “It is fantastic to see the prize fund being raised to $500,000 this year. Returning to Koh Samui and Santiburi Samui Country Club will be a treat for our players as it is a fantastic destination,” he said.
