Thailand to Host First International Women's Golf Event in 2005
(Cheshire, England and Bangkok, Thailand; November 11 2004) For the first time in its history, the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour (LET) will compete in Thailand as it proudly announced today the addition to the 2005 LET tournament schedule of the inaugural Thailand Ladies Open.
The US$400,000 event, promoted by Parallel Media Group plc, shall be co-sanctioned with the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and will take place from 31 March to 3 April 2005 at a course to be announced in the near future in Bangkok the multi-cultural capital of Thailand.
The field for the event will consist of 132 players with a minimum of 60 players qualifying directly from the LET. Fifty players will be selected from the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and additionally, leading professionals will be invited from each of the nations which form the Asian-Pacific Golf Federation.
Ian Randell, chief executive of the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour was delighted to announce this groundbreaking addition.
'This is a fantastic development not only for the members and supporters of the Ladies European Tour, but also for the burgeoning number of followers of women’s golf throughout the Southeast Asia region.
'We are in the final stages of negotiating with several other possible tournaments in the Asian region and I am confident that the LET will be well represented across the continent, which will assist in the development of Ladies professional golf in the region
'This provides further evidence of the growth and prosperity of women’s golf on a global scale and we at the LET are delighted to be making another groundbreaking development.
'I am confident that the Thailand Ladies Open will showcase the very best players on the LET and the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and will provide a truly international flavour.'
Khun Rae-Vadee T. Suwan, President of Thailand Ladies Golf Association (TLGA) and founder of the Ladies Asian Golf Tour believes that having the Thailand Ladies Open will inspire the growth of ladies professionals in Southeast Asia.
'It is very encouraging to see some of the finest players from both Asia and Europe playing in this tournament. The TLGA is proud to resurrect the National Open and put it on the world schedule. We will definitely try to make it an annual affair.'
His Excellency, The Minister Tourism and Sports, Khun Sontaya Kunplome added:
'International sporting events have the potential to draw mass visitors from around the region to Thailand. Our rich cultural heritage and well-known reputation as Asia’s shopping haven, plus great facilities in the Spa retreats and local gastronomic delights are some of the plus advantages that attract visitors to our country.
'World-level golf tournaments will not only put Thailand in the focus of sport enthusiasts, but it will help promote a higher standard for golf in the country. It can pave a career path into professional golf for the new generation of promising golfers. We hope to see more top players from Thailand bringing honour and fame to the country.
'By supporting the Thailand Ladies Open as part of the inaugural Ladies Asian Golf Tour in 2005, with the co-sanctioning of the Ladies European Tour, I hope the vision of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to strengthen Thailand’s position as the region’s most attractive destination will be fully realised.'
Parallel Media Group (PMG), a company with vast experience in hosting and promoting both men’s and women’s golf events in the past, will act as tournament promoters.
'We are very excited to be involved in the 2005 Thailand Ladies Open, which represents a milestone for the development of Ladies Golf in Asia. The event will create a platform for Asian professionals to showcase their skills on home territory and we believe that this will attract substantial interest for the spectators at the course and on television,' said Grant Slack from Parallel Media Group.
'Thailand has the facilities and infrastructure to stage international sporting events like the Ladies Thailand Open and we are confident that the players, officials and spectators will all enjoy their visit to Bangkok.'
Parallel Media Group is a leading sports marketing, media and management company. Established in 1987, PMG specialises in the world of professional golf, owning extensive commercial and broadcast rights throughout Asia, Europe and Central/South America.
PMG aims to provide its clients with a world class professional service combining local market knowledge with international business expertise and deliver a new vision for sport.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT MARTIN PARK ON +44 (0)7971 986855 OR +44 (0)1625 611444
The US$400,000 event, promoted by Parallel Media Group plc, shall be co-sanctioned with the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and will take place from 31 March to 3 April 2005 at a course to be announced in the near future in Bangkok the multi-cultural capital of Thailand.
The field for the event will consist of 132 players with a minimum of 60 players qualifying directly from the LET. Fifty players will be selected from the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and additionally, leading professionals will be invited from each of the nations which form the Asian-Pacific Golf Federation.
Ian Randell, chief executive of the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour was delighted to announce this groundbreaking addition.
'This is a fantastic development not only for the members and supporters of the Ladies European Tour, but also for the burgeoning number of followers of women’s golf throughout the Southeast Asia region.
'We are in the final stages of negotiating with several other possible tournaments in the Asian region and I am confident that the LET will be well represented across the continent, which will assist in the development of Ladies professional golf in the region
'This provides further evidence of the growth and prosperity of women’s golf on a global scale and we at the LET are delighted to be making another groundbreaking development.
'I am confident that the Thailand Ladies Open will showcase the very best players on the LET and the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and will provide a truly international flavour.'
Khun Rae-Vadee T. Suwan, President of Thailand Ladies Golf Association (TLGA) and founder of the Ladies Asian Golf Tour believes that having the Thailand Ladies Open will inspire the growth of ladies professionals in Southeast Asia.
'It is very encouraging to see some of the finest players from both Asia and Europe playing in this tournament. The TLGA is proud to resurrect the National Open and put it on the world schedule. We will definitely try to make it an annual affair.'
His Excellency, The Minister Tourism and Sports, Khun Sontaya Kunplome added:
'International sporting events have the potential to draw mass visitors from around the region to Thailand. Our rich cultural heritage and well-known reputation as Asia’s shopping haven, plus great facilities in the Spa retreats and local gastronomic delights are some of the plus advantages that attract visitors to our country.
'World-level golf tournaments will not only put Thailand in the focus of sport enthusiasts, but it will help promote a higher standard for golf in the country. It can pave a career path into professional golf for the new generation of promising golfers. We hope to see more top players from Thailand bringing honour and fame to the country.
'By supporting the Thailand Ladies Open as part of the inaugural Ladies Asian Golf Tour in 2005, with the co-sanctioning of the Ladies European Tour, I hope the vision of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to strengthen Thailand’s position as the region’s most attractive destination will be fully realised.'
Parallel Media Group (PMG), a company with vast experience in hosting and promoting both men’s and women’s golf events in the past, will act as tournament promoters.
'We are very excited to be involved in the 2005 Thailand Ladies Open, which represents a milestone for the development of Ladies Golf in Asia. The event will create a platform for Asian professionals to showcase their skills on home territory and we believe that this will attract substantial interest for the spectators at the course and on television,' said Grant Slack from Parallel Media Group.
'Thailand has the facilities and infrastructure to stage international sporting events like the Ladies Thailand Open and we are confident that the players, officials and spectators will all enjoy their visit to Bangkok.'
Parallel Media Group is a leading sports marketing, media and management company. Established in 1987, PMG specialises in the world of professional golf, owning extensive commercial and broadcast rights throughout Asia, Europe and Central/South America.
PMG aims to provide its clients with a world class professional service combining local market knowledge with international business expertise and deliver a new vision for sport.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT MARTIN PARK ON +44 (0)7971 986855 OR +44 (0)1625 611444