Bangkok, Thailand: Hua Hin will return to the golfing spotlight next year when it welcomes to its shores the US$2 million Thailand Classic.
Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour, the event is being promoted by MUSE Group and will be permanently based in Thailand.
The first edition will take place at Black Mountain Golf Club from February 12-15 with the tournament to remain there for a minimum of a further two years.
Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “Thailand has been one of our strongest markets over the years and the addition of a new event will cement the nation’s place as one of Asia’s golfing giants.
“The announcement of another new tournament on the Asian Tour following recent launches in Dubai, Mauritius and Malaysia augurs well for the growth and development of professional golf, and reinforces the continued support of Corporate Asia towards the game at the highest level in Asia.”
The event will form part of the European Tour’s International Schedule, with prize money earned to count towards the 2015 Race to Dubai, a year-long competition.
Black Mountain is no stranger to hosting international competition, with three Asian Tour tournaments having already taken place there.
Harald Elisson, Managing Director of Black Mountain, said: “It is an honour to again work with the Asian Tour and we are excited and proud to start a new co-operation with the European Tour, the tournament promoter and sponsors.
“We have the motivation to make this one of the most popular events on both Tours.”
Riduwan Matni, Chief Executive Officer of tournament promoters MUSE Group (Singapore), said: “Golf remains one of the top three sports in Thailand, with over five million active golfers in the Kingdom and in excess of 50 billion Baht in spending around the sport.
“Television coverage for both local and international golf events is seeing an upswing in Thailand and this is reflective of the popularity of the sport. Thai golfers are enjoying an excellent run in the international scene, and this bodes well for the development of golf among younger demographics.”