ADT to sanction golf tournament in honour of Thai veteran

The Asian Development Tour (ADT) is set to sanction a new tournament in honour of Thai legend Boonchu Ruangkit which will be held in Thailand next month.

The three million baht (approximately $91,000) Boonchu Ruangkit Championship will be played at the Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club on the outskirts of Bangkok from Jan 8 to 11, 2015.

The 58-year-old Boonchu, also known as the 'Godfather of Thai Golf', said he was proud to see a tournament set up to honour his achievements in the game.

"I am happy that we have got enough sponsors to make this happen,'' said Boonchu, who has won five Asian Tour titles and five European Senior Tour crowns.

"I am happy to have a tournament for our golfers to hone their skills and earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Hopefully, it can become a regular event on the ADT and continue to grow in time to come," added Boonchu, who had the honour of hitting the opening drive when the Asian Tour was launched in 2004 as a players' body.

The event will be sanctioned by the ADT as the leading players from the burgeoning Tour will be featured alongside the top Thai players including Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Thaworn Wiratchant and Prayad Marksaeng.

Other top players from the Asian Tour have also been invited by Boonchu.

"On behalf of the ADT, I would like to express our delight in sanctioning the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship in honour of the contribution and success of Boonchu in this great game. He has been, and continues to be an inspiration to many Thai and Asian golfers and this new event is truly appropriate," Asian Tour Associate Director Irfan Hamid said.