Bangkok, Thailand: LIV Golf’s debut event in Thailand’s capital helped to empower local communities and inspire the next generation of golfers.

As part of LIV Golf’s on-going ‘LIV to Give’ initiative, the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok supported Connext ED, a Thai leadership programme for sustainable education, and the Population and Community Development Association (PDA), a long-standing, independent non-profit organisation dedicated to reducing poverty in Thailand.

“LIV Golf is committed to supporting communities around the globe. We are proud to give back through organisations that provide critical resources to Thailand’s education systems and under-privileged citizens,” said Atul Khosla, President and COO of LIV Golf.

“Our LIV to Give platform will continue to uplift those in need of support and make a difference in the lives of children and families throughout the world,” added Khosla.

Initiated by 12 leading Thai organisations, Connext ED’s Education Administration Programmes provide leadership training for school teachers across STEM, English and project-based learning curriculums. LIV Golf is funding annual training programmes and remote learning initiatives through Connext ED’s Learning Centre, which promotes career enhancement through higher education and delivers learning materials to schools throughout the region.

For nearly five decades, the Population and Community Development Association has made a positive impact in the lives of under-privileged citizens along with its subsidiary, the Mechai Bamboo School. The innovative secondary school has created a hub for social and economic development, lifelong learning and assistance for small rural schools.

“All of us are most grateful for this generous contribution to rural societies,” said Mechai Viravaidya, Chairman of the PDA and the Mechai Bamboo School. “This gift from LIV Golf will provide a more promising life for elderly villagers near schools through the co-operation with students from the Mechai Bamboo School.”

Further aligning with LIV to Give’s efforts supporting golf development programmes, sustainability, and the well-being of host communities around the world, LIV Golf also carried out two impactful golf clinics for Thai youngsters at Stonehill.

On Tuesday, former world number one Lee Westwood and local golf hero Sadom Kaewkanjana welcomed dozens of children from the Thailand Golf Association and the Thai Junior Golf Association for a special session on ball striking techniques and drills aimed at helping the youngsters improve their skills.

“The LIV Golf series is a wonderful opportunity for us to get out there, meet the next generation and encourage them to take their next steps in the sport,” said Westwood.

“Taking these tournaments to places like Bangkok and offering lessons for the youngsters is just one area where we can help to strengthen the love of golf, and the golfing infrastructure around the world.”

Sadom added: “It was a real pleasure to see all these promising young Thai players in action, and many of them were very talented.

“In my younger days, I would have jumped at the chance to get a lesson from a player such as Lee Westwood. Opportunities like this really help to bring more people into the world of golf.”

On Wednesday, Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai and 15-year-old Thai golfing sensation Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat welcomed youngsters from the Sports Authority of Thailand, offering golf tips and drills while emphasising the importance of working hard and having fun.

Through LIV to Give, LIV Golf has pledged US$100 million to support a broad range of initiatives targeting education, environmental sustainability, golf development programmes, and the well-being of communities around the world.

LIV Golf Invitational Series is owned and operated by LIV Golf Investments whose vision and mission is centred around making holistic and sustainable investments to enhance the global golf eco-system and unlock the sport’s untapped worldwide potential.