Pattaya to host another major golf event

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Pattaya, the winner of the Golf Destination of the Year 2012 for Asia and Australasia, has won the right to host the 2nd Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) from 29th April to May 2nd 2013.

Organised by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), this three day convention will bring together leading golf tour operators, all selling Asia Pacific golf destinations, to meet local golf clubs, hotels, in bound operators and tourist boards.

Pattaya will host the 4th Thai Caddie Championship at Siam Plantation G.C.Pattaya will host the 4th Thai Caddie Championship at Siam Plantation G.C.

This is a massive coup for the Eastern Seaboard Golf Management Association (EGA) whose 20 member golf courses cover the region.

With several major Championships including the Honda LPGA Thailand, the Thailand Open and the Singha All Thailand Golf Tour, Pattaya is now recognized globally as a top golf destination.

With championship courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Peter Thompson, Gary Player and Pete Dye, the EGA members attracted over 500,000 foreign visitors last year.

Mike Mesommonta, EGA President said, “Although Pattaya is a well-known golfing destination for Asian golfers, with over 80 pre-registered European golf tour operators attending the AGTC 2013, we now have a great opportunity to increase overseas bookings for the next few years.

“We plan to proudly show off our first class golf courses and all the incredible attractions that the region has to offer during and after the convention, and expect to see a massive increase in overseas golfers, especially from Europe in the next few years,” said Mesommonta.

Apart from hosting the leading professionals, the EGA will also host one of the world’s most unique tournaments – the Thai Caddie Championship attracts over 700 Thai caddies to compete, with the final this year being held at the Siam Plantation Golf Course.

As Thongchai Jaidee, Thailand’s top professional recently commented, “Our smiling Thai caddies are definitely the secret weapon to a great round of golf!”