DEBATE about whether yachting or golf is Phuket's top sport will continue with the news that the Laguna Phuket Golf Club is to host the Thailand Open in March, with $US500,000 in prizemoney.
The four-day tournament begins on Thursday, March 5 after the professionals competing for the big prize have a couple of days of practice.
Not only is it a coup and an opportunity to have the beauty of the course telecast widely throughout the Asia Pacific region on ESPN, the tournament also returns to the course in 2011.
The club's Director of Golf, Tim Haddon, is delighted at the prospect of big-name professionals coming to Phuket, including 'Order of Merit' players on the Asian circuit.
Laguna members will be given free passes for practice rounds and benefit from the changes to the course.
But members may have to put up with some inconvenience because a big tournament, with marquees and other facilities, takes time to set up.
Extra tees will be added to increase the length of some of the 18 holes. The driving range will be closed from March 1 to March 9.
Over the past few years a range of changes, including the island green of the ninth hole, right in front of the clubhouse, have lifted the course already to a high standard.
The Thailand Open will be the biggest tournament held on the island since the Johnnie Walker Classic was staged at Blue Canyon Country Club in 2007.
The four-day tournament begins on Thursday, March 5 after the professionals competing for the big prize have a couple of days of practice.
Not only is it a coup and an opportunity to have the beauty of the course telecast widely throughout the Asia Pacific region on ESPN, the tournament also returns to the course in 2011.
The club's Director of Golf, Tim Haddon, is delighted at the prospect of big-name professionals coming to Phuket, including 'Order of Merit' players on the Asian circuit.
Laguna members will be given free passes for practice rounds and benefit from the changes to the course.
But members may have to put up with some inconvenience because a big tournament, with marquees and other facilities, takes time to set up.
Extra tees will be added to increase the length of some of the 18 holes. The driving range will be closed from March 1 to March 9.
Over the past few years a range of changes, including the island green of the ninth hole, right in front of the clubhouse, have lifted the course already to a high standard.
The Thailand Open will be the biggest tournament held on the island since the Johnnie Walker Classic was staged at Blue Canyon Country Club in 2007.
can you help! i am a pga qualified golf professional looking for a job in thailand, i am fluent in english and german.
Posted by stewart kemp on February 15, 2009 21:11