Bangkok Airways Open 2008 – Asian Tour

Bangkok Airways Open 2008 builds upon the success of its previous four tournaments; organized in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. Most notable was Bangkok Airways Open 2005 tournament in which it makes its debut as part of the Asian Tour.

Continuing from last year’s successful Asian Tour debut, Bangkok Airways Open 2008 makes it return for a fourth consecutive year from the 5th – 8th June 2008, at the Santiburi Samui Country Club. The golf tournament will once again be part of the Asian Tour, the official regional sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia.

The growing popularity of golf in Asia makes Bangkok Airways Open - Asian Tour the ideal platform for corporate Asia to get involved with the game as well as gain media exposure. As part of the Asian Tour, Bangkok Airways Open 2008 is one of the foremost and highly competitive golf tournaments to ever grace the majestic paradise island of Koh Samui. It’s grand prize is valued at $300,000 USD.

Objectives

The objective of Bangkok Airways Open golf tournament is to further promote the professional game of golf among both amateur and professional golfers in Thailand. The golf tournament offers an international level of competition where players can play alongside and test their mettle against the Asia-Pacific’s best golfers.
The golf tournament will also promote tourism in Thailand; especially that of Koh Samui.

Tournament Schedule

Thursday 5th June, 2008 Round 1

Friday 6th June, 2008 Round 2

Saturday 7th June, 2008 Round 3

Sunday 8th June, 2008 Final Round

About the Asian Tour

The Asian Tour offers 30 tournaments with total prize money worth over $37 million USD. 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 recognized 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.

The Players

Bangkok Airways Open golf championship attracts some of the best golf professionals from all over the Asia-Pacific region. Along with many up-and-coming young stars, the Asian Tour is one of the most highly competitive golf tours in the region.

Last year’s Bangkok Airways Open 2007 roster included many well-known professionals such as:

Thai golfers
1. Thaworn Wiratchant (THA):18th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
2. Nirat Chapchai (THA): 4th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
3. Prayad Marksaeng (THA): 10th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
4. Chinarat Phadungsil (THA): 35th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
5. Chawalit Plaphol (THA): 39th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit

International golfers
1. Lu Wen The Bangkok Airways Open 2005 – Asian Tour Champion & 54th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
2. Simon Yates (SCO): 6th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
3. Iain Steel (MAS): 7th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
4. Gourav Ghei : 8th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
5. Adam Blyth (AUS) : 11th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
6. Jason Knutzon: 15th Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
7. Madan Mamat : 33rd Asian Tour 2007 Order of Merit
8. Zhang Lian Wei: No. 1 Chinese Player

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island; spanning an area of 247 square kilometers. The local population is approximately 40,000 registered residents with 80,000 more who work on the island. During the past decade, the island has become one of South East Asia’s premier and luxurious tourist destinations. The neighboring islands of Phangan, Tao, and the breath-taking National Marine Park offer visitors a wide range of activities such as sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and adventure excursions.

Santiburi Samui Country Club

Koh Samui’s Santiburi Samui Country Club is the venue for Bangkok Airways Open golf championship. The golf course is situated on a hillside whilst being surrounded by a plethora of coconut plantations. The magnificent view of the ocean, beaches, and neighboring islands provide the perfect ‘paradise’ ambience. Tifeagle greens, Seashore Paspalam for tee-offs, and long-winding fairways that are carefully maintained to the highest degree in accordance to international standards makes Santiburi Samui Country Club a “must play” golf course.