Hua Hin, Thailand: Asian Development Tour (ADT) hopefuls are ready to put up strong performances at the inaugural Thongchai Jaidee Foundation which starts on Thursday.
American Casey O’Toole, ranked second on the ADT Order of Merit, will be among the top contenders who include compatriot Blake Snyder, Sean Riordan of New Zealand, Michael Tran of Vietnam and Malaysia’s Arie Irawan at the Black Mountain Golf Club.
They will face a strong home challenge led by tournament host Thongchai Jaidee, who will represent Team International at the Presidents Cup in Korea in October.
Thaworn Wiratchant, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Prayad Marksaeng and Prom Meesawat will also be in the elite field to show their support to Thongchai, who will be the third Asian Tour player following compatriot Boonchu Ruangkit and Korea’s K.J. Choi to host his own tournament.
Reigning ADT Order of Merit champion Pavit Tangkamolprasert will also challenge for honours alongside ADT winners Nirun Sae-Ueng, Itthipat Buranatanyarat, Phachara Khongwatmai and Panuwat Muenlek in the four million baht (approximately US$111,808) ADT event.
Arie, who is ranked third on the Order of Merit, was thankful to Thongchai for giving back to golf by hosting this tournament on the ADT.
“It’s a great tournament hosted by a great champion. The golf course is superb. It’s good to see Thongchai giving back to the game of golf not only to his country but also to the ADT. He is a great ambassador for golf in Asia and I am looking forward to playing in his event this week,” said the 25-year-old.
Snyder, who claimed his maiden ADT win in Malaysia last month, said Thongchai is an inspiration to the younger generation of golfers.
“Thongchai is an astounding player and the success he has had throughout his career is something that I would like to emulate. It's very fun to watch him work his magic around the greens. On top of that, he's also very humble. He’s truly a hero in all aspects,” said the 23-year-old, who hails from Seattle.
“The game is feeling very solid. I'm very optimistic and excited to see what happens. I just want to be steady all week. I know there are great players here but I can't let these thoughts affect my play. The best fields may be where the biggest opportunity lies,” added Snyder.
Thongchai, who is the only player to win three Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns, was happy to see the progress of many young talents on the ADT.
“I have seen a lot of young guys coming through in Thailand and on the ADT which is very good for the development of the game. My idea is to grow the event slowly and make it a long-term commitment. It would be fantastic if this event can be hosted on the Asian Tour in future,” said the 45-year-old Thai, currently ranked 44th in the world.
The sponsors of the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation 2015 include SINGHA, Betagro, Idemitsu, Tune Insurance, Mazda, Ricoh, Oakley and Golf Pride.
The ADT will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
With the Olympic Games looming in 2016 where golf will be reintroduced as a medal sport, players in the region could earn their spots in Rio de Janeiro by earning Official World Golf Ranking points through the Asian Tour and ADT.
