Hua Hin, Thailand: More than 400 participants representing 22 countries have arrived in Thailand for the 2019 Centara World Masters Golf Championship, starting in Hua Hin today.

The Centara World Masters is a joint initiative between Australian-based Go Golfing and Bangkok-based golf tour operator, Golfasian, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

The sell-out event is a welcome boon to Thailand’s tourism with the tournament attracting big numbers from Australia, New Zealand and India.

The event’s international appeal has brought golfers from Germany, the United States and United Kingdom. Southeast Asia is well represented, too, with players from Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore and host country Thailand.

The Centara World Masters is open to golfers aged 35 and over, with competition across 14 divisions based on age and handicap. Golfers will play the country’s top-ranking Black Mountain, Banyan, Springfield and Imperial Lake View golf clubs and will compete for more than one million Thai Baht in prizes.

Host hotel, the Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin, is fully booked with event participants. Tonight’s Welcome Dinner with cultural entertainment will be hosted poolside at Centara Hua Hin to welcome golfers and partners.

Each night Centara will host social and entertainment events supported by Chang and Coca Cola. Festivities culminate with a colourful beach party and presentation dinner on Friday evening.

Tournament Director Peter McCarthy, the principal of Go Golfing in Australia, said that the event is off to a flying start. “Today is day one and there is already huge enthusiasm among players and non-golfing partners. It augurs really well for the rest of the week. The weather is also looking especially kind, with great conditions for golf.”