Lopburi, Thailand, January 23: The Thongchai Jaidee Foundation 2019 will return to the Asian Development Tour (ADT) for its fourth edition from February 14 to 17 at the 13th Military Circle Golf Course.

Thai legend Thongchai Jaidee will assume responsibility of being a tournament host at the ฿4,000,000 (approximately US$123,000) event staged in his hometown of Lopburi where he grew up playing golf on the Military Circle Golf Course.

Jointly sanctioned by the ADT and the All Thailand Golf Tour, the event was first inaugurated by Thongchai in 2015 with the intention of providing more playing opportunities for the region’s rising stars as well as to draw attention to his charitable foundation.

Countryman Kiradech Aphibarnrat, currently ranked 38th in the world, first lifted the prestigious trophy in 2015. Compatriot Chapchai Nirat, a four-time Asian Tour winner, staged a sensational comeback the following year, where he overcame a four-shot deficit to win by six shots.

Thongchai, a three-time Asian Tour number one and an eight-time winner on the European Tour, expressed his excitement for the return of the event which he hopes will continue to unearth new talents from Thailand.

“I formed the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation in 2009 to give access to the game of golf to the underprivileged. I have achieved so much in my career and I just want to give back to the golfing community that shaped my career.

“Thailand has produced world class players like Kiradech, who was the Asian Tour number one in 2013 and has become the first Thai to earn a full PGA Tour card. I hope sponsors will continue to support events like these and encourage the growth of talents in the region,” said the 13-time Asian Tour winner.

Jakraphong Thongyai, Commissioner of the All Thailand Golf Tour, said: “We are thrilled to sanction this event again with the ADT for our rising talents to improve on their skills. It is great to see accomplished golfers like Thongchai giving back to the game and we hope the event will inspire young people to pick up the sport.”

Mr. Methee Sudasna Na Ayudhaya, President of the Thailand Professional Golf Association, also showed his full support for the event: “I am glad to have the return of the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation 2019 on the ADT that will provide more playing opportunities for Thai and international golfers.”

Asian Tour Chief Operating Officer Cho Minn Thant said: “We look forward to stage another successful edition of the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation 2019 with the support of Thongchai and his foundation, to provide a platform for aspiring professionals to compete against the best.

“On behalf of the ADT and our players, we would like to thank the All Thailand Golf Tour and the Jaidee Foundation for their unwavering support towards developing the game across the region,” added Cho.

A total of 156 players will feature in the popular showpiece with 36 invites and the remaining field split between the ADT and the All Thailand Golf Tour.

As part of Thongchai’s efforts to give back to his hometown, a welcome party where players have been encouraged to wear Thailand’s traditional costume has been organised on February 12 at the Chao Phraya Wichayen Palace.

The leading seven players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2020 season.

All ADT events offer Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. The winner will receive six OWGR points while the top six players and ties will also earn points based on a sliding scale.

Ends.