For Immediate Release March 31, 2017 Phuket, Thailand

Laguna Golf Phuket Signs Branding Agreement with the PGA The 1st PGA Golf Academy in Southeast Asia

The PGA has reached an agreement with Laguna Golf Phuket, Thailand, to brand its new state-of-the-art golf academy. The new Laguna Golf Academy, Phuket, will become part of the PGA family of branded facilities joining a group that includes The Belfry in England and Gleneagles in Scotland. The new PGA academy will be the Association’s first in Southeast Asia based in Thailand, and one of the 11 PGA-branded facilities around the world. It complements the award-winning Laguna Golf Phuket’s 18-hole par 71 golf course, extensive practice and coaching facilities.

The new purpose-built Laguna Golf Academy Phuket was launched in 2016, one year after the golf course was fully redesigned, firstly winning ‘Best Renovated Golf Course in Asia’ at the Asian Golf Awards 2015. More recently it has been named ‘Thailand’s Best Golf Course’ back-to-back at the World Golf Awards 2015 and 2016.

Laguna Phuket is Thailand’s first fully integrated destination resort that, besides top-class golf facilities, comprises luxurious hotels, villas, spas and restaurants such as Banyan Tree Phuket and Angsana Laguna Phuket. Laguna Golf also boasts six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo as an official brand ambassador.

More than 30 PGA Professionals are employed in Thailand, including Paul Wilson, Laguna Golf Assistant Vice President and Group Golf Director.

He said: “We are thrilled to become part of The PGA family and enhance our new Laguna Golf Academy Phuket with this PGA branding.

“We have made considerable investment in the overall golfing facilities in Laguna Phuket over the last few years. Since reopening our 18-hole golf course in January 2015, we have received wonderful feedback and won several industry awards.

Media Contact: Ms YiYue Crystal Zhong, Assistant Marketing Manager Tel: +66 76 372 400 ext. 6975 Email: [email protected]

For Immediate Release March 31, 2017 Phuket, Thailand

“One of our key business objectives has been to enhance golf instruction within Laguna Golf. Developing this new relationship with The PGA will enable us to offer the very best in service standards and golf instruction techniques to our members and guests.”

Robert Maxfield, the Association’s deputy chief executive, added: “The PGA is delighted to announce the start of a new relationship with Laguna Phuket.

“The exceptional golf facilities that now form The PGA academy provide an integral part of a high-class international resort of a quality that is synonymous with The PGA brand and our Members.”

As part of the ongoing relationship, the Laguna Phuket resort will host the first overseas PGA Members’ event.

This will take place from the 5-8 November 2017 and The PGA who is based at The Belfry will seek to engage the 1,500 PGA Members currently operating in 81 overseas countries, offering them an educational opportunity and an ability to network and share their experiences.

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Hi-Res image can be downloaded from https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n3jso6c7uvfzfrb/AADwmYdxnlSpEGt3tJEAGJkAa?dl=0

For further information about Laguna Golf Academy Phuket, please visit http://lagunagolf.com/academy/ or contact +66 (0) 7627 0991 / [email protected].

Note to Editor: The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) The PGA was formed in 1901 and is the world’s oldest professional golfers’ association. Based at Centenary House at the famous Belfry, the PGA now has almost 8,000 members including more than 1,400 working overseas in more than 70 different countries. The PGA is one of golf’s leading bodies and committed to growing and developing the game nationally and internationally through its academies and the expertise of its professionals. The PGA nationally and through its seven regional offices administers almost 1,000 golf event days annually. The Association was, in conjunction with Samuel Ryder and The PGA of America, the creators of the now world-renowned Ryder Cup Match. The Association remains a lead partner in these Matches along with the European Tour and the PGAs of Europe and is the trustee of the Ryder Cup trophy. pga.info/

Laguna Golf Phuket Following a comprehensive course revamp and named “Thailand’s Best Golf Course” for 2 consecutive years and “Asia’s Best Golf Course” by World Golf Awards, Laguna Golf Phuket is a truly enjoyable, playable yet challenging 18-hole, par 72 golf course that appeals to golf enthusiasts of all abilities, situated in the heart of Asia’s first integrated resort – Laguna Phuket, with convenient accessibility by complimentary shuttle service from the surrounding hotels. Thoroughly re-designed and re-opened 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- designed clubhouse offers a host of luxury facilities, including a well-stocked Pro Shop, locker rooms and international dining options. The on-site golf academy offers ultimate premium practice facilities and a wide range of teaching packages by a team of experienced PGA instructors. lagunagolf.com/phuket

Media Contact: Ms YiYue Crystal Zhong, Assistant Marketing Manager Tel: +66 76 372 400 ext. 6975 Email: [email protected]