What Is 2017 All Thailand Golf Tour

Overview

The 2017 All Thailand Golf Tour was the 12th edition of Thailand’s primary domestic professional golf circuit, designed to nurture local talent and strengthen the national golf ecosystem. Organized by the Sports Authority of Thailand and sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the tour played a vital role in bridging amateur and international professional competition.

That year, the tour continued its mission of expanding golf’s reach within Thailand while offering players a structured competitive environment. With events hosted across diverse regions—from Chiang Mai to Pattaya—it emphasized accessibility and national representation in professional golf.

• 14 tournaments were held across Thailand, including the Singha Championship and Singha All Thailand Golf Tour Finals, providing consistent playing opportunities.
• The total prize money pool exceeded 100 million Thai Baht (THB), with individual event purses ranging from 3 million to 8 million THB.
• Thailand’s veteran golfer Thaworn Wiratchant remained a dominant force, securing multiple top finishes and reinforcing his legacy.
• Several events were co-sanctioned with the Asian Development Tour (ADT), enhancing their international recognition and player rankings.
• The tour prioritized grassroots development, offering emerging Thai golfers a platform to gain experience before advancing to the Asian Tour or DP World Tour.

How It Works

The All Thailand Golf Tour operates as a season-long series of stroke-play tournaments, each following standardized rules and point systems to determine rankings and prize distribution. Players earn ranking points based on finishes, influencing eligibility for higher-tier tours and national team selection.

• Tournament Format: Each event follows a 72-hole stroke-play format over four days, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field. This ensures competitive depth and consistency.
• Eligibility: Open primarily to Thai professionals and amateurs with a handicap under 2.0, though select international players may participate in co-sanctioned events.
• Prize Distribution: The winner typically receives 18–22% of the total purse, with payouts extending down to 60th place to incentivize participation.
• Ranking System: The Order of Merit ranks players by accumulated prize money, with the top finisher earning exemptions into select Asian Tour events.
• Sanctioning Body: Operates under the Asian Tour’s Developmental pathway, with alignment since 2016 to elevate competitive standards and player mobility.
• Event Hosting: Courses are selected based on infrastructure quality and regional accessibility, often rotating between public and private clubs nationwide.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2017 All Thailand Golf Tour with other regional tours in terms of structure, prize money, and player development impact:

While the All Thailand Golf Tour offered fewer events than some international counterparts, its integration with the Asian Development Tour allowed players to earn dual points. This strategic alignment enhanced player mobility and increased the tour’s prestige within Asia’s golf hierarchy.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season underscored the tour’s role as a critical stepping stone for Thai golfers aspiring to global careers. By maintaining high standards and expanding co-sanctioning agreements, it contributed to the sport’s growth in Southeast Asia.

• Developed local talent: Players like Kantaphon Wetchagul and Kiradech Aphibarnrat used the tour as a launchpad for international success.
• Boosted golf tourism: Hosting events in tourist hubs like Phuket and Pattaya attracted regional spectators and media coverage.
• Strengthened national identity: The tour promoted Thai golf culture and inspired youth participation in an otherwise niche sport.
• Enhanced sponsor value: Brands like Singha and Toyota gained visibility through title sponsorships and branding rights.
• Improved infrastructure: Hosting standards pushed local courses to upgrade facilities, benefiting recreational players.
• Supported Olympic aspirations: Provided ranking points useful for Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 qualification pathways.

Overall, the 2017 All Thailand Golf Tour was more than a domestic circuit—it was a strategic investment in Thailand’s sporting future, blending competition, development, and national pride.