Chiangmai: Organisers of the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT have announced the prestigious tournament will now be staged from November 13-16, 2014 from its previous July slot.


The US$750,000 Asian Tour event will return to the award-winning Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai following its successful launch last year when Australia’s Scott Hend pipped a world-class field to triumph.


Major champions Jason Dufner of the United States and South African Charl Schwartzel have also confirmed they will feature in the Chiangmai Golf Classic in November after being announced as the marquee names earlier in the year.


Chiangmai Governor Suriya Prasatbuntitya said: “We are delighted to confirm the new dates of November 13-16, 2014 for the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT.


“It promises to be a spectacular week of golf that will showcase our beautiful city of Chiangmai and Thailand to the rest of the world via the extensive live television broadcasts during the tournament rounds.


“It is also fantastic that Charl Schwartzel and Jason Dufner have committed to play in the Chiangmai Golf Classic in November along with all the top stars from the Asian Tour, which includes our Thai golfing heroes. We will witness a gathering of stars at the magnificent Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai and golf fans and television viewers will certainly be treated to a feast of world-class golf.”


Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai General Manager Thaweewat Thaweephon said: “With the tournament dates confirmed, we have put in place a programme to ensure that our golf course will meet and exceed the Asian Tour’s championship standard. Part of this will include the addition of new bunkers on our course to challenge the players to the limit.


“The weather in Chiangmai in November will also be cooler during that time of the year which will ideal for golfers and fans to truly enjoy the Chiangmai Golf Classic. We look forward to another fantastic week of golf.”


The Chiangmai Golf Classic will 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.


Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “We look forward to returning to the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT which I am confident will be another highly successful tournament on the Asian Tour. Our players thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural event last season and we expect all our best players to converge at the award-winning Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai in November to vie for the coveted title.”


IMG Senior Vice President, Grant Slack, said: “IMG is honoured to be involved with the Chiangmai Golf Classic and once again working with the Chiangmai Governor and Alpine Group to stage one of the most highly anticipated events on the Asian Tour.


“It is a privilege to be part of the tournament and working with great partners who remain committed to supporting the development of golf in Thailand and promoting Chiangmai as a golfing destination. The event will continue to showcase Chiangmai to millions of golf fans around the world as a wonderful golfing destination”


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. It won the Best Golf Resort accolade at the 2013 Asian Tour Awards Night.