Samui, Thailand: Asian Tour players hailed the success of the fifth edition of the THB 9.6 million (approximately US$312,000) Queen’s Cup following its gripping finale on Sunday.
The final day produced all the fireworks synonymous with a world-class event and it was a week to savour for all especially the home crowd who got to witness their local hero, Prayad Marksaeng win his first Queen’s Cup trophy after five attempts.
Arnond, who finished in second place three shots behind Prayad, paid tribute to the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and Bangkok Airways for giving him the opportunity to develop himself into a better player through playing opportunities like this week’s Queen’s Cup.
“As a player, I’m very grateful for their support in this tournament because without them I wouldn’t be able to make it to where I’m today,” said Arnond, who carded rounds of 69, 67, 68 and 69.
India’s Anirban Lahiri, who also enjoyed a top-10 finish, savoured another memorable week made possible by the strong corporate support.
“To Bangkok Airways and SAT, thanks for hosting yet another fantastic tournament here in Samui. It has been very enjoyable and as players, we greatly appreciate all the help and support you’ve provided to the Asian Tour,” said Lahiri.
M.L. Nandhika Varavarn, Vice President of Bangkok Airways – Corporate Communications believes the stature of the Queen’s Cup will continue to rise given the strong relationship Bangkok Airways enjoys with the region’s premier Tour.
“Everything is professionally run by the staff and officials from the Asian Tour and we are very happy with the way things have been going for us since 2005,” said Nandhika.
Bangkok Airways has been a staunch corporate partner of the Asian Tour. Their partnership with the Tour dates back to 2005 when the inaugural Bangkok Airways Open made its debut.
“We wanted to host a big golf tournament especially here in Samui. We wanted to promote the island internationally and we thought of the Asian Tour,” said Nandhika.
Since then, the event has been rebranded as the Queen’s Cup with the involvement of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and Nandhika is confident that the mutually rewarding partnership will be strengthen as the Tour celebrates its 10th season this year.
“I’m sure our relationship with the Asian Tour will continue to prosper. We’re grateful that the Tour has been helping with our promotions greatly and we’re very happy to work hand in hand with the Tour in the years to come,” said Nandhika.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Queen’s Cup is held in honour of Her Majesty, Queen Sirikit and is one of four tournaments in Thailand to feature on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its milestone 10th season after establishing itself as a players’ organisation in 2004.
Queen’s Cup Bangkok Airways – SAT Samui Golf Tournament 2013 is mainly sponsored by Bangkok Airways, Sports Authority of Thailand, Santiburi Samui Country Club, Bangkok Hospital Group, PTT Co.,Ltd, Bangkok Bank, Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, Tourism Authority of Thailand and co-sponsored by Four Seasons Resort, Samui Palm Beach Resort and Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam.
