For Immediate Release March 7, 2018 Phuket,

Laguna Phuket host and sponsor of 2018 event

Asian Tour chief operating officer Cho Minn Thant (left), All Thailand Tour commissioner Jakraphong Thongyai (centre) and Laguna Golf assistant vice president/group golf director Paul Wilson (right) with the Singha Laguna Phuket Open 2018 trophy

Laguna Phuket has become the joint title sponsor of an professional event to be held on the award-winning course in May.

The 2018 Singha Laguna Phuket Open, a repeat of last year’s highly successful inaugural event, will be held from 9-13 May as a co-sanctioned Asian Development Tour event with Laguna Golf Phuket and Singha Corporation as headline sponsors.

The top five players will be eligible to compete in selected tournaments.

While a repeat of the 2017 event’s exceptional scoring – including a 59 by Sutijet Kooratanapisan – is less likely due to toughening of the layout, low scores and plenty of excitement are anticipated on the popular course within the Laguna Phuket resort.

The THB 2 million prizemoney event is one of 10 on the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT) calendar in 2018 and one of 23 Asian Development Tour tournaments.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the ATGT, which has fostered many of Thailand’s best players, such as , currently ranked 40 in the world, to become international stars.

Laguna Golf Phuket’s assistant vice president and group golf director, Paul Wilson, says feedback from last year’s tournament resulted in course enhancements, including the removal of some bunkers and the addition of new tee boxes. Fairways are being narrowed and rough enhanced for the 2018 tournament.

“There was an immediate increase in domestic and regional visitors to the course and resort following the 2017 tournament, aided by live TV coverage in Thailand and highlights packages aired in 19 other countries.”

Media Contacts: Ms YiYue Crystal Zhong, Sales & Marketing Manager Tel: +66 76 372 400 ext. 6964 Email: [email protected]

For Immediate Release March 7, 2018 Phuket, Thailand

Laguna Golf Phuket is a drawcard Laguna Golf Phuket is ideally located within the Laguna Phuket resort. The for golf visitors to Phuket from 18th green (right) and practice area (left) are pictured in a photo from Thailand and around the world. It last year's tournament. has twice been awarded the mantle of Thailand’s best golf course and in 2016 was named Asia’s best golf course at the World Golf Awards in Portugal.

All Thailand Golf Tour commissioner, Jakraphong Thongyai, says the Singha Laguna Phuket Open offers another opportunity for young professional and amateur golfers to test their skills against peers on a highly attractive, risk-and- reward course.

“It provides another venue for up-and-coming stars of the future. They are all very excited to compete in such an appealing location,” he says.

Asian Tour chief operating officer, Cho Minn Thant, who attended the ATGT 2018 season launch in Bangkok last week, says the addition of Phuket to the Asian Development Tour schedule has been a major boost for players.

“Phuket is an awesome destination. Players love going there, especially as some tournaments are on the outskirts of major centres, whereas Phuket is internationally recognised and highly regarded.

“We also have good memories from the Singha held at the same course in 2009, before it was remodelled. We are again looking forward to some low scoring again this year. It is also great that recreational golfers who play at Laguna Golf Phuket will be able to see how the pros play the course.”

– End –

For more information: Laguna Golf Phuket: www.lagunagolf.com/phuket All Thailand Golf Tour: www.allthailandgolftour.com Asian Development Tour: www.asiandevelopmenttour.com Asian Tour: www.asiantour.com

Note to Editor: Laguna Golf Phuket Laguna Golf Phuket is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course situated in the heart of Asia’s first integrated resort – Laguna Phuket, conveniently accessible by complimentary shuttle service from the surrounding hotels. Thoroughly redesigned and reopened in 2015, the new landscaping with great emphasis on natural surroundings and wildlife provides golfers a whole new golfing experience. During the game, a tranquil journey into the native cultural experience with infused local elements creates a unique sense of place. The Thai villa design clubhouse offers a host of luxury facilities, including a well-stocked Pro Shop and international dining option. The course also features ’s first PGA-branded golf academy, offering a holistic learning experience by PGA instructors with a wide range of teaching packages, and extensive practice facilities including dedicated swing rooms with Trackman video analysis, as well as a purpose-built fitness studio with private sessions designed to improve your performance on the course. lagunagolf.com/Phuket

Media Contacts: Ms YiYue Crystal Zhong, Sales & Marketing Manager Tel: +66 76 372 400 ext. 6964 Email: [email protected]