Singapore, 1 March, 2017 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has appointed two of the kingdom’s top golfing sisters, Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn, as “Thailand Golf Ambassadors” as part of the plan to enhance the international awareness of the country as a world-class golf destination that offers an amazing range of outstanding courses and facilities.
Mr. Kajorndet Apichartrakul, Director of TAT Singapore Office said, “As Thailand Golf Ambassadors, the talented Jutanugarn sisters will represent Thailand at major golfing events and tournaments around the world and help promote the kingdom’s outstanding golf opportunities. We’d like to reach out to golf and sports lovers and tour operators, especially in Asian nations, where golf is highly popular; such as, South Korea and Singapore.”
Ariya Jutanugarn, or Pro May as she is often called, is a Thai professional golfer and became Thailand’s first golfer to win a major championship, in both the male and female categories, when she enjoyed a three-stroke victory at the 2016 Women’s British Open. She currently ranks as one of the world’s top players and was the first to win the three consecutive LPGA tournaments in 2016.
Moriya Jutanugarn, Ariya’s older sister, is also a professional golfer and plays on the LPGA Tour. In 2009, she won the Duke of York Young Champions and in 2013 was named LPGA Rookie of the Year.
The golfing sisters are known for their fearless and competitive playing style. They will be in Singapore to take part in the 10th edition of the HSBC Women’s Champions tournament, to take place from 2-5 March, 2017, at Sentosa Golf Club.
TAT formally introduced Ariya and Moriya as Thailand Golf Ambassadors to the world golfing community at a Thailand Golf Briefing in Singapore on 28 February, 2017.
Mr. Kajorndet said, “Golf tourists are nearly always high-quality, high-spending tourists and they’ll be attracted to Thailand, which has many world-class golf courses nationwide, with state-of-the-art facilities and services, including experienced caddies, wonderful accommodation, and excellent activities; such as, shopping and spa treatments to enjoy after playing.”
Thailand also hosts many international golf tournaments every year including the Honda LPGA Thailand and Thailand Golf Championship, which attract a large number of professional players and spectators.
In addition, Thailand’s golf destinations have been recognised by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) several times. This includes Chiang Mai, which has been named the Next Golf Destination of the Year 2017 in the Asia & Australasia region. Prior to that, Pattaya was named Golf Destination of the Year in 2006 and 2010; Hua Hin received the award in 2012; and Prachuap Khiri Khan in 2014.
