What Is 2001 All Thailand Golf Tour

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2001 All Thailand Golf Tour was the inaugural season of Thailand's premier domestic professional golf circuit, featuring 12 tournaments across the country with prize money totaling approximately ฿12 million, officially launched to promote local talent.

Key Facts

First season held in 2001 with 12 official events
Total prize fund was approximately ฿12 million
Organized by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT)
Designed to develop Thai golfers for international competition
Preceded the formation of the Asian Development Tour in 2004

Overview

The 2001 All Thailand Golf Tour marked the official launch of Thailand’s first nationally sanctioned professional golf series, aimed at elevating the standard of domestic play and nurturing homegrown talent. Organized under the auspices of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) in collaboration with the Thailand PGA, the tour provided a structured competitive platform for Thai professionals who previously lacked consistent tournament opportunities.

With its debut season in 2001, the tour laid the foundation for professional golf development in the country, introducing standardized rules, prize money distribution, and national rankings. It played a pivotal role in transitioning Thai golf from informal regional events to a formalized circuit with national recognition and sponsorship support.

12 tournaments were held across Thailand during the 2001 season, spanning from January to December, offering consistent playing opportunities for local pros.
The total prize money pool reached approximately ฿12 million (about $270,000 USD at 2001 exchange rates), distributed across all events.
The tour was officially sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), giving it legitimacy and access to government-backed funding and venues.
It served as a critical stepping stone for Thai golfers aiming to compete on the Asian Tour or international circuits, offering ranking points and visibility.
Notable early participants included Kaewpong Senanon and Prayad Marksaeng, both of whom later achieved success on the Asian Tour.

How It Works

The All Thailand Golf Tour operated on a season-long points and prize money system, with each tournament contributing to both individual earnings and national rankings. Designed to mirror international standards, it introduced formal qualification, entry criteria, and performance tracking for Thai professionals.

Tournament Format: Each event followed a standard 54-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field for the final round.
Eligibility: Only Thai nationals and approved residents with professional status could compete, ensuring the focus remained on local development.
Prize Distribution: Winners typically received 15–20% of the event’s purse, with payouts extending to the top 20 finishers.
Venue Rotation: Courses were selected from across Thailand, including Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club and Ramkhamhaeng University Golf Course.
Ranking System: A season-long Order of Merit was tracked based on prize money, with the top performer receiving a national title and bonus incentives.
Sponsorship Model: Events were funded through a mix of government grants, corporate sponsors, and entry fees from players.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2001 All Thailand Golf Tour with similar regional circuits at the time:

Tour	Year Founded	Number of Events (2001)	Total Prize Money	Primary Focus
All Thailand Golf Tour	2001	12	฿12 million	Thai professional development
Japan Golf Tour	1973	24	¥3.2 billion	Elite Asian competition
Korean Tour	1983	18	₩8.5 billion	National player growth
Asian Development Tour	2004	0 (not yet launched)	N/A	Regional pathway
Singaporean National Circuit	1995	8	S$1.1 million	Amateur-to-pro transition

This table highlights how the 2001 All Thailand Golf Tour was modest in scale compared to more established tours but strategically positioned to fill a critical gap in Thailand’s golf ecosystem. While prize money and event count were lower, its focus on accessibility and national development mirrored successful models in neighboring countries.

Why It Matters

The 2001 All Thailand Golf Tour was a landmark initiative that reshaped the trajectory of professional golf in Thailand. By formalizing competition, it elevated the status of local players and attracted sponsor interest, paving the way for future international success.

Created a clear pathway for Thai golfers to progress from amateur ranks to professional status without leaving the country.
Encouraged investment in golf infrastructure, as more courses sought to host official tour events and improve facilities.
Helped identify future stars like Thongchai Jaidee, who later joined the European Tour and represented Asia in the Presidents Cup.
Strengthened Thailand’s presence in Asian golf rankings, increasing regional competitiveness and visibility.
Provided data for the Sports Authority of Thailand to assess talent and allocate training resources more effectively.
Laid the groundwork for Thailand’s inclusion in the Asian Tour’s development programs by 2005.

Ultimately, the 2001 season was not just a series of tournaments—it was the foundation of a national sports strategy that continues to influence Thai golf today.