Bangkok: Bubba Watson, the 2012 Masters champion, and 2012 World Golf Championship winner Hunter Mahan will join defending champion Lee Westwood of England in a star-studded field for the eagerly awaited second edition of the 2012 Thailand Golf Championship at Amata Spring Country Club from December 6 to 9.
Three other Major champions – Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke (2011 Open champion), South Africans Charl Schwartzel (2011 Masters champion) and Louis Oosthuizen (2010 Open champion) have also committed to play in this year’s US$1 million Asian Tour event.
Also adding to the excitement will be Spain’s Sergio Garcia who has recently been in impeccable form. Last month he won the USPGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship and then took the lead into the final round of The Barclays Championship before finishing in joint third place. The Spanish star is currently ranked 17th in the world and will play a key role for Europe in the Ryder Cup later this month in his sixth appearance for the team.
The local challenge will be led by Thongchai Jaidee, a three-time Asian Tour number one who played in two Majors this year, the Open Championship and PGA Championship. Thongchai, regarded as one of Asia’s greatest players, has won five European Tour events, including the Wales Open this year, and has earned 13 Asian Tour titles, a record he shares with veteran Thaworn Wiratchant, who will also be contesting at Amata Spring.
Another experienced Thai who is expected to make an impression is Prayad Marksaeng, who also played at this year’s Open Championship. Also hoping to perform well in his home tournament is talented 23 year-old Arnond Vongvanij, who has made a strong start to his rookie season with two top-10s on the Asian Tour.
With three months to go before the globe’s biggest golf stars descend in Thailand, there is already a high sense of anticipation following the great success of last year’s tournament, which attracted large galleries to the resplendent Amata Spring Country Club.
World number four and European Ryder Cup stalwart Westwood won the full-field Asian Tour title in majestic style last year, storming to a comfortable seven-shot victory after opening his campaign with a stunning 12-under-par 60 and flirting with the magical 59 which has never been shot on the Asian Tour.
“It was one of the best rounds I’ve ever played,” said Westwood. “I was just on a roll. I hit a lot of fairways and my putting was good.”
The English star admitted that at one stage he thought 59 was possible, ‘‘but it wasn’t to be’’. Westwood, who says he enjoys playing in the heat, has enjoyed considerable success in Asia. “Asian courses seem to suit me. I always feel comfortable.”
Westwood said he was already looking forward to his defence at the Thailand Golf Championship. “I had an incredible time last year. The fans were great and backed me all week.
I love Amata Spring as its layout suits my style of play and the greens are fast and firm. I’m excited to be returning. Anyone can win the tournament but I’ll do my best to defend the title,” he said.
He will face a tough defence with the inclusion of exciting Americans Watson and Hunter, who will make their debuts in Thailand. In addition to the high profile PGA and European stars, there will be a strong contingent from the Japan Tour and Asian Tour players, many of whom have achieved international success.
Watson claimed a thrilling play-off victory over Oosthuizen to win his first Major title at the Masters Tournament in April where he pulled off a miraculous recovery shot from the trees to pip the South African.
Thai golf fans can expect a swashbuckling display from left-hander Watson, who professes to his attacking style of play which he termed as “Bubba golf”.
“My friends have told me lots of nice things about the country, the beautiful beaches and the great food and of course the friendly people,” said Watson. “I’m really excited about playing in the Thailand Golf Championship in front of all the fans there and I also hope to experience the Thai culture.”
Mahan, who won the WGC-Accenture Match Play and Shell Houston Open this season, is tipped to challenge for the title. With five PGA Tour wins under his belt, and five appearances in the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup for the US team, the 30-year-old is rated as one of the best players in the world.
Suwat Lipatapanlop, President of the Organising Committee, believes the second edition of the Thailand Golf Championship will surpass last year’s excitement with the inclusion of new star players.
“We enjoyed tremendous success last year,’’ he said. ‘’The Thailand Golf Championship will not only celebrate the special occasion of His Majesty the King’s 85th birthday, but will boost the image and reputation of Thailand. It will help promote tourism and display Thailand’s capability in hosting international events as well as its attraction as a golf destination.”
He expressed delight with the early confirmation of world-class players. “Great golfers from all continents will be taking part this year and I am sure golf fans and spectators will have a great time. My thanks as well to all our sponsors without whom this event will not reach the strength it has achieved.”
Playing a key role in the success of the tournament is the quality of the Amata Spring course which was praised by the players last year. Westwood said Amata Spring was in “incredible condition” and was “as good as anything I have played in Asia.”
Executive Director of Amata Spring Country Club, Sarath Ratanavadi, said the club was honoured to be a part of this great event. Amata Spring is recognised around the world as one of the best golf courses in Asia where its signature par three 17th hole has a floating island green which is accessible only by boat.
“We will work hard to ensure the course and club is in excellent condition for the players again.
We will make the course more challenging which should add to the excitement for both players and spectators. The golf course is in perfect condition to welcome the players for the Thailand Golf Championship,” said Sarath.
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said the Asian stars will relish the opportunity to go head-to-head with the likes of Westwood, Watson and Mahan.
“We are delighted our partners in Thailand have put in all their resources to stage what is now the country’s most prestigious golf championship. The Asian Tour is honoured to be involved with the Thailand Golf Championship which will no doubt be one of the main highlights towards the end of our 2012 season.”
Grant Slack, Senior Vice President, IMG Golf, said: “The caliber of the field increases year by year. With some of the world’s best golfers confirmed, it is a testament to this world-class championship. It will be a great tournament and we encourage golf fans to come and witness it for themselves.”
By Indian Sports News Network
