Thongchai and Thaworn sign up for Double A International Open

The inaugural US$300,000 Double A International Open will be played at a new venue, the St. Andrews Hill (2000) Golf Club in Rayong, Thailand in November, organisers announced today.

The Double A International Open has also received a double boost following confirmation that last year's Asian Tour number one Thongchai Jaidee and current Order of Merit leader Thaworn Wiratchant, both from Thailand, will play in the event from November 3-6.

The US$300,000 Asian Tour event was originally slated for the third week of November but by bringing the dates forward by two weeks, it has created a new incentive for Asia's best players. This is because the inaugural winner will receive an invitation to the lucrative HSBC Champions Tournament in Shanghai later in November.

Advance Agro Public Co., Ltd. Executive Vice President – Marketing, Mr Charnvit Jarusombathi, whose company produces the Double A brand of environmental-friendly office paper made from farmed trees and sold in 60 countries worldwide, said: "St Andrews Hill (2000) is a tough challenge with its length, undulation and tricky greens. The resort-style hotel accommodation and facilities are also fantastic.

"By bringing the Double A International Open forward by two weeks, there will also be added incentive for the top players as the inaugural winner will qualify for the HSBC Champions Tournament in November. This would not have been possible on the original dates."

St. Andrews Hill (2000), designed by Desmond Muirhead, opened for play some five years ago and is located in Rayong, about a 30 minute drive from the seaside resort town of Pattaya. The club's Managing Director, Mr. Narongdej Sinthukiow said: "We are looking forward to an exciting week of golf. Our championship course will be prepared to its best condition so that the top professional players will enjoy a great test of golf.

"We have previously hosted events on the Thai circuit but this will be the first time that we are hosting the region's top players. It will be an exciting week and our club will strive hard to contribute towards the event's successful launch."

Charnvit added that Double A was determined to further develop golf in Thailand and help boost tourism. "With international competitions, Thailand will be better recognised and be able to attract golfers from around the world. Golf is an activity that can bring in great revenue for the country," he said.

Thongchai, who is currently trailing Thaworn on the Order of Merit, intends to use his knowledge of the St Andrews Hill (2000) course to his advantage. "It is one of the most challenging courses in Thailand. Players need to be precise with each shot. I'm quite confident of winning because I've won on this course five years ago.

"I'm proud to be a part of a tournament sponsored by a Thai company such as Double A. The competition at home will enhance Thailand's reputation and it's a good opportunity for Thai players. It is also important for me in the race to become the 2005 Asian number one," said Thongchai.

Thaworn was delighted with Double A's commitment towards the development of golf in Thailand. "This will allow Thai golfers to compete at home and allow them to gain confidence and give them a shot at earning good prize money. This event will also boost tourism in Thailand."

With the inclusion of the Double A International Open, Thailand will become one of the most widely used destinations on the Asian Tour Schedule, with four tournaments slated in The Kingdom this season.

The Asian Tour has already staged 19 tournaments in its 2005 season, with another nine events scheduled till December. In total, prize money of over US$20 million will be offered to the region's best players, a new milestone for professional golf in Asia.

Asian Tour Chief Executive Louis Martin said: "Our highly talented players are looking forward to teeing it up at the Double A International Open. As a new event on our 2005 Schedule, we are hoping to contribute towards a memorable week and I'm sure a worthy winner will emerge at the end of four days of golf.

"I have heard very good reports about the St Andrews Hill (2000) Golf Club and we are confident that it will be a fine addition to our wonderful list of top courses that host our events."

September 29, 2005

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