Hua Hin, Thailand, February 8: Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond hopes victory will be a footstep away when he tees off for the inaugural True Thailand Classic presented by Black Mountain which starts next week.
Although the 19-year-old has yet to win a title on the region’s premier Tour, the Thai hotshot believes he stands a good chance of breaking that title drought at the Black Mountain Golf Club, which is also his sponsor and home course.
“It’s going to be a new feeling. The first tee is a five minute walk from my house. It’s going to be a good week and I’m looking forward to enjoying the week in my home town,” said Jazz.
The young Thai has enjoyed a significant measure of success abroad with four top-10s in India, Philippines and Malaysia last year.
He is now seeking to replicate that form on home soil next week.
“My family will be out there for sure. I hope to show them I can play good golf. So far, I’ve been playing well outside Thailand but I also want to show that I can play good at home too.
“It will be good if I can contend next week. I live there and I see all the members there. Black Mountain is like family to me and if I play well, they will support me. There are a lot of Swedish people there and they could be cheering for me too,” said Jazz.
The Thailand Classic is the first tournament in the Kingdom to be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour in eight years and with a prize fund of US$2 million, it is also the most lucrative golf event in Thailand.
The 7,350 yards, par-72 course at the Black Mountain Golf Club will offer a stern test for the best players from both continents and it will be a challenge that Jazz is well aware of.
“The course at Black Mountain is pretty wide but it will test the players’ performance, rather than your knowledge of the golf course.
“There is not much rough now as we had a bit of a cold season in Thailand and we couldn’t grow the rough. The long hitters can bomb it far but the greens are still sloppy,” said Jazz.
Among the other top Asian Tour players vying for top honours at the Thailand Classic include reigning Order of Merit champion David Lipsky of the United States, India’s Anirban Lahiri, voted Players’ Player of the Year in 2014, Australia’s Scott Hend and Philippines’ Angelo Que.
Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts along with England’s Tommy Fleetwood and David Howell will also feature alongside Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez and Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn at the Black Mountain Golf Club.
Tickets are now available for purchase at ThaiticketMajor, with admission fees of 400 THB for a single day pass on Thursday (R1) and Friday (R2). The fee is 800 THB for a single day pass on Saturday (R3) and Sunday (Final Round).
There is a four-day season pass priced at 1,200 THB. Children and youths (under 16 years old) and senior citizens (over 65 years old) are allowed to enter for free. For further ticketing reservations, purchasing and information, please contact 02-262-3456 or www.thaiticketmajor.com
More details about the Thailand Classic are available on www.golfthailandclassic.com, www.facebook.com/golfthailandclassic and www.twitter.com/golfthaiclassic.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include FENIX Golf (Official Apparel Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Sponsor), Oakley (Official Eyewear and Footwear Sponsor), PRG (Official Accessories Supplier), Srixon (Official Ball), Titleist (Official Web Partner) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper).
The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.asiantour.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf , www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf .
About MUSE Group
Muse Group is a boutique marketing agency, specializing in music, and 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 2014. It is the exclusive marketing agency for the newly-launched Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
About Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin
A challenging yet highly enjoyable design, the course enjoys sweeping vistas from almost every hole, and tour-standard conditions. Since opening in 2007, Black Mountain has hosted three Asian Tour events, including the 2014 King’s Cup, and has won a string of international awards. Black Mountain is the only course in Thailand ever to be named in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses (outside the US), and also to receive the accolade “Best Course in Thailand” for the past FOUR years in a row. Also in December 2014, Asian Golf Monthly Magazine voted Black Mountain as the "Best Course in Asia Pacific" and "Best Championship Course in Asia Pacific". Additionally, the magnificent Par 3 sister course may be the best you will ever play. Set in a natural valley, there is water on every hole, requiring precise shot-making and concentration, just as you need on the full length course! Outstanding services, the most modern carts and electric buggies available, first class practice facilities and a modern clubhouse overlooking the course make Black Mountain a golf experience you will long remember. Combine all of the above with a world class restaurant and a 5-star Spa, then you have the complete package for the perfect golfing destination.
