What Is 2011 All Thailand Golf Tour

Overview

The 2011 All Thailand Golf Tour marked the seventh season of Thailand’s premier domestic professional golf circuit. Designed to nurture local talent, it provided a competitive platform for Thai golfers to gain experience and improve world rankings.

Organized under the oversight of the Royal Thai Golf Association and supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, the tour featured 18 tournaments held across various provinces. Prize funds totaled over 30 million THB, with events scheduled from January through December 2011.

• 18 official events were held across the year, including the Singha Classic, SAT Championship, and Toyota Open, each offering ranking points and prize money.
• The tour was instrumental in developing Thailand’s next generation of golfers, offering a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
• Most tournaments followed a 72-hole stroke play format, with cuts after 36 holes to narrow the field to the top 60 players and ties.
• Players earned points for the Order of Merit, which determined season-end rankings, bonuses, and eligibility for international events.
• Foreign players were allowed to compete but were ineligible for the domestic Order of Merit, ensuring Thai talent remained the focus.

How It Works

The All Thailand Golf Tour operated as a closed-loop developmental circuit with standardized rules and prize structures. Each event contributed to player rankings and provided exposure to professional-level competition.

• Eligibility: Open to professional golfers, primarily Thai nationals. Amateurs could participate with prior approval but were not eligible for prize money.
• Tournament Format: Events were typically 72-hole stroke play tournaments with a 36-hole cut. Weather delays occasionally led to shortened formats.
• Prize Money: Individual event purses ranged from 1.2 million to 2.5 million THB, with the winner receiving approximately 25% of the total purse.
• Order of Merit: Points and earnings were tracked throughout the season. The top performer earned the title of Tour Champion for 2011.
• Sanctioning Body: The tour was officially sanctioned by the Royal Thai Golf Association, ensuring compliance with international amateur and professional standards.
• Player Benefits: Top performers gained entry into select Asian Tour events and received sponsor exemptions for international competitions.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2011 All Thailand Golf Tour with similar regional circuits in terms of structure and scale:

The All Thailand Golf Tour was smaller in scale than multinational circuits like the OneAsia or Japan Golf Tour but played a critical role in developing Thai players. Its domestic focus allowed for consistent competition and structured progression for rising professionals.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season was pivotal in reinforcing the tour’s role as a cornerstone of Thai golf development. It provided visibility, structure, and financial incentives for local athletes aiming to compete on global stages.

• Thaworn Wiratchant won three events in 2011, demonstrating the tour’s ability to sustain high-level domestic competition.
• The tour helped reduce reliance on foreign circuits by offering consistent, high-quality events within Thailand.
• It served as a talent pipeline, with several 2011 participants later joining the Asian Tour and European Tour.
• Local sponsors such as Singha, Toyota, and SAT increased visibility and funding, boosting the tour’s credibility.
• Young professionals gained access to coaching, fitness programs, and media training through tour-affiliated development initiatives.
• The tour contributed to national pride by showcasing Thailand’s growing influence in international golf.

By fostering competitive depth and professional growth, the 2011 All Thailand Golf Tour laid the foundation for future success in the sport, both nationally and internationally.