What Is 2006 All Thailand Golf Tour

Overview

The 2006 All Thailand Golf Tour marked the official launch of a dedicated domestic golf circuit aimed at nurturing Thai professional golfers. Organized by the Thailand PGA with backing from national sports bodies, the tour provided a structured competitive platform within the country.

This inaugural season was designed to increase playing opportunities for local professionals and reduce reliance on international tours. With a focus on developing homegrown talent, the tour attracted over 80 registered players competing across multiple events.

• Twelve tournaments were held between February and December 2006, making it the most active domestic golf season in Thai history at the time.
• The tour was officially sanctioned by the Thailand PGA, ensuring standardized rules and professional oversight throughout the season.
• Each event featured a 36-hole format for the first two rounds, with a cut after 54 holes determining the final round participants.
• Prize money was distributed in Thai baht, with the total purse for the season reaching approximately 12 million baht (~$300,000 USD).
• The tour received financial and logistical support from the Sports Authority of Thailand, highlighting its national significance.

How It Works

The All Thailand Golf Tour operated as a season-long points and earnings competition, with players accumulating rankings based on performance across events.

• Season Structure: The 2006 tour spanned 12 events, each hosted in different provinces including Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. This regional rotation promoted nationwide visibility.
• Player Eligibility: Only professional golfers registered with the Thailand PGA were eligible, ensuring a competitive and regulated field of over 80 players.
• Scoring Format: Events followed a standard stroke-play format over four days, with 72 holes for most tournaments and cut rules applied after 54 holes.
• Prize Distribution: The winner of each event received between 300,000 and 500,000 baht, with lower amounts distributed down to 60th place.
• Order of Merit: Points and earnings were tracked throughout the season, culminating in an Order of Merit leader who claimed the title of season champion.
• Tournament Hosting: Courses were selected based on availability and quality, with venues like Siam Country Club and Black Mountain Golf Club hosting key events.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2006 All Thailand Golf Tour with other regional and international tours active that year:

While the All Thailand Golf Tour had significantly smaller financial and structural scale compared to international circuits, its establishment in 2006 laid the foundation for professional golf development in Thailand. It offered a critical stepping stone for players aiming to qualify for the Asian Tour or Japan Golf Tour.

Why It Matters

The 2006 All Thailand Golf Tour was a pivotal moment in Thai sports history, creating a formal pathway for local golfers to compete professionally at home.

• Developed local talent: The tour enabled Thai golfers to gain experience without the high costs of international travel and entry fees.
• Boosted national pride: Success stories like Thaworn Wiratchant inspired a new generation of young golfers across the country.
• Strengthened the Thailand PGA: The tour increased membership and visibility, helping the association grow its influence.
• Attracted sponsorships: Events drew local and regional sponsors, contributing to the commercialization of golf in Thailand.
• Improved course standards: Hosting tour events encouraged upgrades at Thai golf facilities to meet professional requirements.
• Created career pathways: Players used the tour as a springboard to qualify for the Asian Tour and other international circuits.

The 2006 season set a precedent for sustainable domestic sports leagues in Thailand, proving that localized professional tours could thrive with proper support and structure.