Methee wins big in PGA Thailand vote

A total of 467  voters comprising pro golfers and senior players cast their votes in a secret ballot after the General Assembly at the Sport Authority of Thailand. .

Methee, 61, became the 18 th PGA Thailand chief, succeeding Chayapat Sunayont, whose term expired earlier this year.

“I thank all for giving me this opportunity to work for the association and also to thank Santiparb who promised to provide a helping hand in terms of advice,” said Methee who represented Thailand in many events including SEA Games  between 1975-1985.

The election was in fact a battle between the country’s leading brewers with Methee supported by Singha and Santiparb by Chang. The victory of Methee meant Boon Rawd Brewery  dominated two main local golf bodies after Rungsrid Luxitanond was  re-elected as the Thailand Golf Association president a month ago.

“I promise to follow my policies which if not implemented, I will be held responsible for that,” said Methee a former coach of LPGA player Patcharajutar Kongkraphan  and rising star Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong .

One of his main concerns  is to organise more tournaments for all level of players and improve the quality of human resources in golf. He planned to organize no less than 43 events in one year, 12 in Thai PGA Tour, 12 in Thai PGA Challenge, 12 in Mini Thai PGA Challenge, 5 Senior Tour events and 2 Asian Tour events.

Methee also eyed on conducting training programmess for golfers, referees, teaching pros and professional caddies.

During the counting of votes,  there was some minor hiccup when the officials found one extra  ballot. Two ballots were not cast for the candidates whichmeant there were a total of  468 ballots against 467 voters.

After some discussion, the election chairman Manop Thabpiboon  declared the result  as Santiparb  conceded.