What Is 2000 All Thailand Golf Tour

Overview

The 2000 All Thailand Golf Tour marked the official launch of a domestic professional golf circuit aimed at developing Thai talent. Organized by the Sports Authority of Thailand in partnership with the Thai PGA, the tour provided a competitive platform for local players to gain experience and ranking points.

Designed to bridge the gap between amateur golf and international competition, the 2000 season laid the foundation for future growth in Thai golf. The tour attracted a mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars, many of whom later competed on the Asian Tour or Japan Golf Tour.

• 12 tournaments were scheduled across Thailand from January to December 2000, with events in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
• Each tournament offered a purse averaging 1.5 million THB, making it the most lucrative domestic golf series in the country at the time.
• The tour was sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand, ensuring official recognition and government support.
• Eligibility was restricted primarily to Thai nationals, though a limited number of international invites were allowed per event.
• Players earned points toward the Order of Merit, with the season champion receiving a bonus and priority entry into regional tours.

How It Works

The All Thailand Golf Tour operated under a standardized format designed to ensure consistency and competitive integrity across all events. Each tournament followed a 72-hole stroke play format with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field.

• Eligibility: Only professional golfers registered with the Thai PGA or approved amateurs could enter, with priority given to top-ranked Thai players.
• Tournament Structure: Events spanned four days, with 36 holes played on weekends and practice rounds available the day before.
• Prize Distribution: The winner typically received 25% of the total purse, with the remainder distributed down to 60th place.
• Order of Merit: Points were awarded based on finishing positions, and the player with the highest cumulative score at year-end won the title.
• Course Rotation: Courses were selected from a pre-approved list of 18 public and private courses across Thailand.
• Sanctioning Body: The Sports Authority of Thailand oversaw rules enforcement, anti-doping, and financial compliance for all events.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2000 All Thailand Golf Tour with other regional tours during the same year:

The data shows that while the All Thailand Golf Tour had significantly smaller prize funds compared to international circuits, it played a vital role in nurturing local talent. Its structure mirrored larger tours, offering Thai golfers a professional environment to refine their skills before moving abroad.

Why It Matters

The 2000 All Thailand Golf Tour was a milestone in Thai sports history, establishing a formalized pathway for professional golfers in the country. It helped standardize competition and elevated the visibility of golf beyond elite circles.

• The tour contributed to a 35% increase in registered professional golfers in Thailand between 2000 and 2005.
• It enabled players like Thaworn Wiratchant to gain confidence and eventually succeed on the Asian Tour.
• Local sponsors began investing in golf, with PTT and Singha becoming early tour partners.
• Media coverage of events increased, leading to national television broadcasts by 2002.
• The tour's success prompted the creation of a women's division by 2005 under the same management.
• It laid the administrative groundwork for Thailand's future participation in international golf federations.

By creating a sustainable domestic circuit, the 2000 season set a precedent for athlete development in other Thai sports, proving that structured national leagues could thrive with proper support.