What Is 2020 All Thailand Golf Tour

Overview

The 2020 All Thailand Golf Tour served as the primary domestic professional golf circuit in Thailand, organized by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Thai PGA. Despite the global disruption caused by the pandemic, the tour adapted its schedule to maintain competitive play for local golfers.

The season featured a mix of established tournaments and new events, providing Thai professionals a platform to earn ranking points, prize money, and international exposure. The tour plays a crucial role in developing homegrown golf talent and preparing players for regional and global tours.

• Twelve official events were scheduled in 2020, including the SAT-Thai Airways Open and the Singha Championship, with most held at top-tier Thai courses.
• The season kicked off on February 13, 2020, with the SAT-Thai Airways Open at the Royal Gems Golf Club in Chiang Mai.
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was suspended from April to August, with events resuming in September under strict health protocols.
• Total prize money distributed across the season exceeded 30 million Thai baht (approximately $1 million USD), with individual event purses ranging from 1.5 to 3 million baht.
• Chawalit Plaphol emerged as the top performer, winning the Order of Merit after claiming three tournament victories and consistent top-10 finishes.

How It Works

The All Thailand Golf Tour operates as a merit-based series where players accumulate points and earnings through tournament performances. The structure supports player development and national representation in international competitions.

• Eligibility: Open to professional golfers registered with the Thai PGA; amateurs may participate with special invitations. International players were limited in 2020 due to travel restrictions.
• Tournament Format: Events follow a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with cuts after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 60 players and ties.
• Scoring System: Players earn points based on finishing position, with first place receiving 18 points and decreasing incrementally down to 1 point for 50th place.
• Prize Distribution: Each event offers a minimum purse of 1.5 million baht, with 18% awarded to the winner and the remainder distributed down to 60th place.
• Order of Merit: The season-long ranking is determined by total earnings, with the 2020 winner Chawalit Plaphol earning over 4.2 million baht in prize money.
• International Pathways: Top performers gain eligibility for events on the ASEAN PGA Tour and may qualify for exemptions into Asian Tour tournaments.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2020 All Thailand Golf Tour compares to other regional tours in structure, scale, and impact:

This comparison highlights the All Thailand Golf Tour’s role as a developmental circuit. While smaller in scale than regional tours, it provides essential competitive experience and pathways for Thai golfers aiming to advance internationally.

Why It Matters

The 2020 All Thailand Golf Tour had significant implications for Thai sports and golf development, especially amid global uncertainty. Its successful adaptation demonstrated resilience and strategic planning in the face of unprecedented challenges.

• Player Development: The tour enabled over 150 Thai professionals to compete regularly, refining skills and gaining experience under tournament pressure.
• COVID-19 Resilience: By implementing safety protocols, the tour became a model for post-pandemic sports restarts in Southeast Asia.
• National Pride: Success on the tour boosts visibility for Thai athletes, encouraging youth participation in golf across the country.
• Economic Impact: Host venues reported increased tourism and local spending, with events attracting up to 5,000 spectators per tournament before restrictions.
• Pathway to Global Tours: Top performers earned invitations to the Asian Tour and other international events, enhancing Thailand’s golfing reputation.
• Media Exposure: Broadcast partnerships with Thai TV stations ensured national coverage, increasing the sport’s visibility and sponsorship appeal.

Ultimately, the 2020 season reinforced the importance of domestic sports infrastructure. By maintaining competition during a global crisis, the All Thailand Golf Tour strengthened the foundation for future growth in Thai golf.