Chiangmai: The Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT is poised to raise more excitement for golf fans in Thailand and around the world when it returns for its second edition on the Asian Tour Schedule at the Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai from July 3-6.

Major champion Jason Dufner of the United States, winner of the 2013 PGA Championship, was unveiled as the tournament’s first marquee player while Thailand’s Paradorn Srichaphan, a former world’s top-10 tennis star-turned-golfer, has also accepted an invitation to compete in this year’s Chiangmai Golf Classic.

With a prize fund of US$750,000, the inaugural tournament was successfully staged in 2013 with long-hitting Australian Scott Hend producing a stunning final day comeback to lift the title ahead of South Africa’s Bryce Easton and local hero Prayad Marksaeng. Major winners Ernie Els, Michael Campbell and Y.E. Yang were amongst the stars who featured in last year’s tournament.

Such was the success of the Chiangmai Golf Classic that the Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai won the Best Golf Resort Award at the 2013 Asian Tour Awards Gala, which was held in Jakarta on Tuesday night.

Dufner, who is a three-time winner on the PGA Tour, said: “I am looking forward to my first visit to Thailand. I have heard great things about the city of Chiangmai and also the Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai and hopefully, I will have the chance to win the Chiangmai Golf Classic. As golfers, we have the opportunity to travel all over the world to compete and I hope to make time as well to visit some of the interesting places in Chiangmai during the tournament.”

Chiangmai’s Governor Wichien Puthiwinyoo said: “Following the success of the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic, we are delighted to announce the second edition will be played from July 3-6, 2014 at the Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai. It is also our pleasure to announce Jason Dufner, the PGA Champion, as our first star player of our prestigious tournament.

“The Chiangmai Golf Classic will continue to promote Chiangmai as a leading golfing and tourist destination through the four days of live broadcasts on the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches over 180 countries and 625 million homes.

“Through the sanction of the Asian Tour, golf fans in Thailand will have every opportunity to watch Asia’s top stars in action on what is an award-winning golf course. We are truly excited with the return of the Chiangmai Golf Classic.”

PTT Group Company Limited, one of the largest corporations in Thailand, will continue as the event’s presenting sponsor of the full-field Asian Tour tournament. Other backers include Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Toyota, Advanced Info Service Plc and Siam Commercial Bank PCL.

Prasert Salinla-Umpai, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility, PTT said: “We look forward to support the Chiangmai Golf Classic for the second successive year. Professional golf in Thailand continues to prosper and we are excited to be involved with the development of the game in our country and across Asia.”

Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai General Manager, Thaweewat Thaweephon said they were looking forward to host the best golfers from the Asian Tour again.

“As one of Thailand’s leading golf resorts, we are honoured to have the privilege to play host to the Chiangmai Golf Classic. The inaugural tournament was a roaring success and we were delighted to win the Best Golf Resort Award at the 2013 Asian Tour Awards Night which is a great recognition. We will continue to strive and deliver another memorable experience to the golfers and fans when the Chiangmai Golf Classic returns.”

Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “On behalf of our players, we look forward to returning to the Chiangmai Golf Classic after its success in the inaugural edition. Our fullest appreciation to PTT who will be our presenting sponsors again and to the many other sponsors who will support this tournament.

“As the Asian Tour represents the best players from across the continent, golf fans can expect a gathering of stars from the various countries in Chiangmai. The Chiangmai Golf Classic will also be another opportunity for members of Team Asia from the recent inaugural EurAsia Cup to showcase their talents after producing a memorable comeback to draw with Europe in March.”

IMG Senior Vice President, Grant Slack, said: “The second edition of the Chiangmai Golf Classic will continue to showcase Thailand as a beautiful country which has so much to offer to international visitors and golfers.

“The Asian Tour and IMG are committed to delivering approximately 600 hours of broadcasts from all four days of the event. This coverage, supported by the event highlights which is also broadcast within Golfing World as well as the Asian Tour’s Golf Magazine Show, will help showcase the beauty of Chiangmai and what it has to offer both on and off the golf resort.”

The Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai, designed by Ron M. Garl, is located in a valley between mountain ranges in the heart of the San Kampaeng natural forests and boasts of natural beauty.