Bangkok, Thailand: A Thailand swing has been included for the seventh season of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Tour.
This year, the 16-leg circuit will, for the first time, feature three tournaments in Thailand.
Following the MahaSamutr Masters at Hua Hin’s Banyan Golf Club (May 2-4), the Tour will head to Korat for the Mountain Creek Open at the Seve Ballesteros-designed Mountain Creek Golf Club (May 8-10) and then on to the Pattana Golf Championship at Chonburi’s Pattana Golf Club and Resort (May 16-19).
Mohamed Buamaim, Chairman of the MENA Tour, said: “Six years ago we set out to provide a platform for up and coming professional and amateurs golfers to compete.
“Now in 2017 the MENA Tour has expanded to enable players from over 22 countries to participate for world ranking points at 16 tournaments held across four continents. In Thailand, we are delighted to welcome members of the Thai PGA and the All Thailand Golf Tour to join us at these three leading golf courses.”
An initiative of the Sheikh Maktoum Golf Foundation, the MENA Tour has European Ryder Captain Darren Clarke as its ambassador.
Stacey Walton, General Manager and Director of Banyan Golf Club, said: “Banyan is proud to be host venue for a second time on the MENA Tour. We have two objectives in mind – the commercial aspect from the media exposure the MENA Tour provides and CSR to promote the development of golf in Asia by providing players the opportunity to compete at a professional standard in Thailand.”
Rujirapun Juangroongruangkit, Pattana’s Executive Vice President, said: “As one of Thailand’s leading all round sports venues, we are confident that all the local and international players will enjoy competing at our course for the first time, and be able to relax at our vibrant resort.”
The MENA Tour has the support of the Arab Golf Federation and The R&A, and is aimed at the best professional and amateur players in the region.
The 2017 season will run from March to December and will culminates with the Tour Championship.
Each tournament receives official R&A recognition for World Amateur Golf Ranking and Official World Golf Ranking status.