Most countries are lucky if they can attract one major golf tournament a year. Thailand on the other hand seems to be able to host more than its fair share of major golf events.

In November a certain Mr Tiger Woods made an emotional return to his mother country along with Casey and co. Then along came the Asian Tours Masters in December followed in early January by the Royal Trophy both hosted at Black Mountain in Hua Hin.

Now the 2011 season is about to start with most of the top 50 woman in the World competing in the Honda LPGA at the Siam Country Club in Pattaya in mid February.

Paula Creamer, Michelle Wei, Shin Jiyai and defending champion Ai Miyazato will all be there along with a few Thai girls trying to earn some big bucks.

Also in February Amata Spring Country Club will become the first Thai venue to host Open Championship International Final Qualifying Asia from February 24-25, 2011.

The Club will welcome a field of a maximum of 78 players, who will compete for four places in the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George's.

  "Amata Spring is a fitting venue for IFQ's first visit to Thailand," said R&A Director, Michael Tate. "In its short history, it has proven itself a stern test for some of the world's best players, and it will undoubtedly give us four qualifiers worthy of their place at Royal St George's."

The closing date for entries is 14 February. Last year, Asian Tour members Hiroyuki Fujita of Japan, Malaysia's Danny Chia and newly-crowned Order of Merit champion Noh Seung-yul of Korea qualified for the Open.

Later on in June the Queens Cup, part of the Asian Tour, returns to Santiburi Country Club on the beautiful island of Koi Samui.

Thailand is now recognised as the perfect destination to host major golf championships, and the players enjoy their time in the Kingdom of smiles as well.

Mike Bridge   Editor Thai Golf News

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