Pattana to host inaugural Asian Tour International

The inaugural Asian Tour International will be played at the Pattana Golf and Sports Resort in Chonburi, Thailand from March 20 to 23 as the game continues its exciting expansion across the region.

Asian Tour Senior Vice President Gerry Norquist announced today that the highly rated Pattana course, which was one of the venues used for the Qualifying School in 2006, has been selected for the full-field US$300,000 Asian Tour event.

The tournament will also showcase 15 stars from the Japan Golf Tour through sponsor’s invitations, said Norquist.

The new tournament will serve as another opportunity for Asian Tour stalwarts to make their mark in the new 2008 season, which is poised to surpass 30 events with over US$38 million in total prize money.

“We are delighted to welcome Pattana Golf and Sports Resort as the host venue for the inaugural Asian Tour International,” said Norquist.

“Pattana boasts of some wonderful facilities and its championship course will provide a great challenge to the players. The golf club successfully staged our Qualifying School previously and the players will be eager to return to the venue for the Asian Tour International.”

The Asian Tour International will be the focal point for golf in Chonburi, which is located near the resort city of Pattaya, with many of Thailand’s top stars tipped to lead the local brigade in search for glory.

During the week, the players will enjoy top-class facilities that include a gymnasium, clubhouse, massage room, sauna, spa and a variety of restaurants.

Pattana Golf and Sports Resort Vice President Thawee Jarungsathitphong said: “We are looking forward to the inaugural Asian Tour International. It is an honour that we have been selected ahead of many other fine golf clubs for this new tournament and we will endeavour to prepare our championship course to its best.

“Golf in Thailand has enjoyed many great achievements over the last few years through the successes of players like Thongchai Jaidee, Prayad Marsksaeng, Thaworn Wiratchant, Chapchai Nirat and Chinnarat Phadungsil and we hope to see another local Thai winner emerging at Pattana Golf and Sports Resort in March.”

The Asian Tour International will be one of three events slated in Thailand this season. The other Thai events on the burgeoning Asian Tour Schedule include the Bangkok Airways Open and Volvo Masters of Asia.

Norquist added: “We are confident that this new event will reinforce the growth of professional golf in Thailand and across the region. As a new event, it is an exciting development as it creates playing opportunities for Thai players as well as Asian Tour members.

“We are expecting to stage a record of 30 tournaments this season and the addition of the Asian Tour Invitational reflects the steady growth and vast opportunities that the region has to offer,” said Norquist.

The Asian Tour Invitational will be the seventh event to be staged on the Asian Tour this season. There are currently 28 events offering US$38 million in total prize money on the Asian Tour Schedule with several more tournaments to be announced in due course.

Last season’s Schedule offered a total of 28 tournaments with US$27 million in prize money.

February 13, 2008

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