Ariya Jutanugarn. Picture by IGF
Bangkok, Thailand: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has appointed golfing sisters
Ariya and
Moriya Jutanugarn as ‘Thailand Golf Ambassadors’.
The move to engage the LPGA Tour stars is part of a plan to enhance the international awareness of Thailand as a world-class golf destination that offers an amazing range of outstanding courses and facilities.
Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of TAT, said: “As Thailand Golf Ambassadors, the talented Jutanugarn sisters will represent Thailand at major golfing events and tournaments around the world and help promote the kingdom’s outstanding golf opportunities.
“We’d like to reach out to golf and sports lovers and tour operators, especially in Asian nations, where golf is highly popular; such as, South Korea and Singapore.”
Ariya became the first Thai golfer to win a Major championship when she posted a three-stroke victory at last year’s Women’s British Open.
She currently ranks as one of the world’s top players and won three consecutive LPGA tournaments in 2016.
Moriya, Ariya’s older sister, is also a professional golfer and plays on the LPGA Tour. In 2009, she won the Duke of York Young Champions and in 2013 was named LPGA Rookie of the Year.
The golfing sisters, who are known for their competitive playing style, are taking part in this week’s Honda LPGA Thailand at Siam Country Club’s Pattaya Old Course.
They will also compete in next week’s 10th edition of the HSBC Women’s Champions at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club when they will be formally introduced as Thailand Golf Ambassadors at a Thailand Golf Briefing.
Yuthasak said: “Golf tourists are nearly always high-quality, high-spending tourists and they’ll be attracted to Thailand, which has many world-class golf courses nationwide, with state-of-the-art facilities and services, including experienced caddies, wonderful accommodation, and excellent activities; such as, shopping and spa treatments to enjoy after playing.”
The country has more than 260 golf courses nationwide and hosts many international tournaments every year.
Thailand’s golf destinations have been recognised by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) several times.
Chiang Mai was named as the ‘Next Golf Destination of the Year 2017’ in the Asia and Australasia region, while Pattaya was named Golf Destination of the Year in 2006 and 2010. Hua Hin received the award in 2012 and Prachuap Khiri Khan in 2014.
