Phuket Pushing to Become Sports Tourism Hub

Laguna Golf Phuket will return to the spotlight when it plays host to this week’s Singha Phuket Open.

A new undertaking organised by Sports Management Group (SMG) with Singha Corporation as the founding sponsor, the event is being used to promote Phuket as a sports tourism hub.

Headlining the field at the Asian Golf Industry Federation Golf Course Facility Member layout is Thaworn Wiratchant, one of Thailand’s most decorated players.

Among those joining him in the starting line-up are fellow Asian Tour winners Udorn Duangdecha and Danthai Boonma.

Virat Patee, Director of Sports Authority of Thailand, Phuket, said: “Being the venue host of many national and international sporting events, Phuket Province sees great potential in becoming a regional sports hub in the very near future. We hope the Singha Phuket Open will become another annual event to heighten Phuket’s status as a leading sports tourism destination.”

Paul Wilson, AVP, Group Golf Director at Laguna Phuket, said: “With the world-class golf course and facilities, excellent condition and Asian hospitality along with our newly upgraded PGA-branded Laguna Golf Academy, we are all geared to welcoming the professional golfers of the first Singha Phuket Open.

“There will also be several homegrown golfers playing in the tournament, emphasising Laguna Golf Phuket and Asian Development Tour’s shared commitment of developing the game in Asia and inspiring junior golfers by providing great platforms for them to learn and grow.”

Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket, Singha Phuket Open’s Official Hotel Partner, said: “Being a part of the inaugural Singha Phuket Open in 2017 is very special for Laguna Phuket as we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year.

“As Asia’s premier destination resort, this partnership resonates our development from an integrated resort to a preferred lifestyle destination for vacations and keynote events including the annual Laguna Phuket International Marathon and Laguna Phuket Triathlon. Many guests have thus made Laguna Phuket their permanent home.”