Hot off the press... Thailand Classic to welcome European Tour stars for first time in eight years 20th October 2014 BANGKOK, THAILAND -- Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin will play host to the inaugural Thailand Classic from February 12-15 next year, when it will become the first event co-sanctioned between The European Tour and Asian Tour to be permanently based in Thailand. The tournament, which marks the European Tour’s return to Thailand after an eight year absence, will be the richest in the Kingdom, with a prize fund of US$2 million dollars . Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour, said, “We are delighted to be returning to Thailand for the Thailand Classic in February, and Black Mountain Golf Club and Hua Hin are wonderful additions to the International Schedule. “We would like to place on record our thanks to our new tournament promoters Muse Group, who have worked tirelessly to help us secure the Thailand Classic for a minimum of three years. “As always we are delighted to accept the invitation of our long-standing co-sanctioning partners at the Asian Tour to stage another tournament in South-east Asia, and we look forward to working with them and the Professional Golfers Association of Thailand on our return to Thailand for the first time since 2007.” With European Tour stars having enjoyed success around the world, those who tee it up at Black Mountain in February will be an exciting addition to the field alongside some of Asia’s finest talent, including the best golfers from Thailand. 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 currently led by World Number One Rory McIlroy. 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. “Co-sanctioned with our partners, The European Tour, the Thailand Classic will no doubt inspire many more world class stars to emerge from the Kingdom. I would also like to welcome MUSE Group on board as our newest tournament promoter and look forward to a successful partnership. “The announcement of another new and exciting tournament on the Asian Tour following recent launches in Dubai, Mauritius and Malaysia certainly 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.” Black Mountain Golf Club is no stranger to hosting international competition, with three Asian Tour tournaments having already taken place there, and the scenic golf course is set to play host to the next three instalments of the Thailand Classic. 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, are committed to presenting the course in great condition, and look forward to welcoming fans, players, sponsors and organisers alike to Black Mountain in February 2015.” Riduwan Matni, Chief Executive Officer of MUSE Group (Singapore), the promoter of the Thailand Classic, 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. Like all sports, golf too needs local heroes. “In light of this, MUSE is delighted to bring back a co-sanctioned golf event to Thailand after an eight year hiatus and the Kingdom will now join the elite nations that will host an instalment of the prestigious Race to Dubai. “It is our desire, with MUSEs entertainment DNA, to bring a new golfing experience at the Thailand Classic and make this event the highlight in Thailand’s golfing calendar. I would like to thank both the European and Asian Tours and Black Mountain Golf Club for their strong support in making the this tournament a reality”. The Thailand Classic, which boasts the highest prize money of any golf tournament in the Kingdom, is being promoted by MUSE Group, who has previously worked with FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC on their 2014 summer football tours in Thailand. ---- END ----- EUROPEAN TOUR COMMUNICATIONS Wentworth Drive | Virginia Water | Surrey | GU25 4LX | UNITED KINGDOM Tel : +44 (0)1344 840400 Email : media@europeantour Twitter: @EuropeanTour Facebook: European Tour Web: europeantour THE EUROPEAN TOUR - CELEBRATING GOLF. WORLDWIDE. About The European Tour The European Tour is committed to celebrating the game of golf from the origins of the professional game, building a proud history of achievement, sportsmanship and integrity as well as showcasing our diverse global talent and rich landscapes. The European Tours innovative approach enables us to embrace the world, combining championships of tradition with new tournaments in the cities and countries of the future. The European Tour International Schedule, which from 2009 has incorporated The Race to Dubai, is a thriving global brand which, in 2014, will feature a minimum of 48 tournaments spread across five continents; the European Challenge Tour focuses on the up and coming players of the future; while the European Senior Tour provides a new start for champions celebrating their 50th birthday. The European Tour’s corporate identity features the iconic silhouette image of six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon who gives his name to The Harry Vardon Trophy, presented to the player who is crowned European Tour Number One and winner of The Race to Dubai at the end of the season. MUSE GROUP COMMUNICATIONS 193/97 Lake Ratchada Tower 23rd Floor, Ratchadapisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110, THAILAND. Tel : +66 2 661 8490-2 Email: [email protected] Web: musegroup.biz About MUSE Group MUSE Group is a boutique marketing agency, specializing in music, sports and entertainment. Operating in five offices across the Asian region, MUSE was the promoter of the FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC Summer Tours in Bangkok last year. It is the exclusive marketing agency for the newly-launched Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 08:36:18 +0000
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