What Is 2014 All Thailand Golf Tour

Overview

The 2014 All Thailand Golf Tour was a landmark season in Thai professional golf, marking its continued expansion as a premier domestic circuit. Organized to elevate local talent and provide competitive opportunities, the tour attracted top players from across the country and contributed to the regional golf landscape.

With 12 official events held between February and December, the tour visited courses in Chonburi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and other key locations. It served as a vital platform for Thai golfers to gain experience, earn ranking points, and qualify for international events.

• 12 tournaments: The season featured 12 official events, including the Singha All Thailand Golf Classic and the SAT Championship, held from February through December.
• Thongchai Jaidee: The veteran golfer won the Order of Merit title with the highest cumulative earnings, reinforcing his status as Thailand’s top player.
• Prize fund: Total prize money across all events exceeded 100 million Thai baht, with individual event purses ranging from 3 million to 10 million baht.
• Sanctioning body: The tour operated under the sanctioning authority of the Asian Tour, enhancing its credibility and integration with regional golf circuits.
• Government support: The Sports Authority of Thailand provided funding and logistical support, emphasizing national investment in golf development.

How It Works

The All Thailand Golf Tour functions as a developmental and professional circuit for Thai golfers, combining national exposure with international standards. Each event follows a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with qualification and seeding based on prior performance and rankings.

• Format: Each tournament follows a 72-hole stroke play format over four days, with a 36-hole cut after the second round to narrow the field.
• Eligibility: Players must be Thai nationals or approved foreign residents, with priority given to past champions and top-ranked domestic players.
• Scoring: The Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded to top finishers, helping players improve their global standing.
• Prize distribution: The winner typically receives 20% of the purse, with decreasing percentages down to 60th place, incentivizing strong finishes.
• Sponsorship: Events are branded under sponsors like Singha Corporation and SAT, with naming rights contributing to funding and visibility.
• Pathway to Asian Tour: Top performers earn Asian Tour eligibility, allowing participation in higher-tier international competitions.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2014 All Thailand Golf Tour can be compared to other regional tours based on structure, prize money, and player development outcomes.

While the All Thailand Golf Tour had fewer events and lower prize money than larger international circuits, it played a crucial role in nurturing Thai talent. Its integration with the Asian Tour provided a clear advancement route, distinguishing it from purely amateur or recreational leagues.

Why It Matters

The 2014 All Thailand Golf Tour was more than a series of tournaments—it was a catalyst for national sports development and international recognition. By offering structured competition and financial incentives, it helped professionalize golf in Thailand and inspired a new generation of players.

• Player development: The tour served as a training ground for emerging Thai golfers, with several 2014 participants later joining the Asian or European Tours.
• Economic impact: Host cities saw increased tourism and local spending, with events generating an estimated 50 million baht in regional economic activity.
• Media exposure: Matches were broadcast nationally on TrueVisions Sports, boosting public interest and sponsorship appeal.
• National pride: Successes like Thongchai Jaidee’s Order of Merit win fostered national pride and highlighted Thailand’s growing influence in golf.
• Gender inclusion: Though male-dominated, the tour inspired parallel growth in the Ladies Asian Golf Tour, promoting gender equity in sports.
• Sports diplomacy: The tour strengthened ties with neighboring countries through joint events and shared rankings, enhancing regional cooperation in athletics.

The 2014 season laid the foundation for future expansions, proving that a nationally focused tour could have international significance. Its legacy continues in Thailand’s rising golf profile and deeper integration into global circuits.