The inaugural 2009 Black Mountain Masters at Hua Hin, Thailand, is set to thrill golfing fans around the region after receiving strong backing from major sponsors in the Thai kingdom.

The full-field Asian Tour event which boasts a prize purse of US$500,000 will take place from March 26 to 29 at the Black Mountain Golf Club and has already garnered the support of many top sponsors including PTT, Federbrau, TAT, and Hua Hin Hoteliers Club.

"Black Mountain Masters will be a signature event not only for Hua Hin but for Thailand as well. The international recognition and positioning of the tournament fits the brand image of PTT and we are pleased to give the event our full support,"said Mr Sarun Rungkasiri, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility for PTT.

Federbrau, a relatively newcomer to the premium beer market premium is also excited to be associated with this event in the famous beach resort town of Hua Hin.

"The Black Mountain Masters have given us a platform to reach out to a new premium market segment and the perfect opportunity to promote Federbrau. I am confident that Fedebrau will benefit greatly from this premium tournament and I am sure that all spectators and guests alike will enjoy a drink or two at the tournament!" said Mr Polapatr Suvaranazorn, Vice President, External Affair of Thai Beverage Public Complany Limited.

The Black Mountain Masters is expected to attract some 144 players from 15 different countries. Player field will include 8 sponsors' invites and 15 top Thai professionals.

Home favourite Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and also the first Asian Tour player to surpass US$3 million in career earnings will spearhead the local challenge alongside Hua Hin native Prom Meesawat.

"It is very encouraging to see the growth of golf in the country. I hope home ground advantage will give me an edge in the competition and all my friends and supporters will come to the course and give me all the encouragement and support," said Prom.

While golf will undoubtedly be the attraction for the week, the event will further raise the profile of Hua Hin as a top tourism destination of choice.

"It's an honour for Hua Hin to host an event of such international standing. This tournament is the perfect platform to showcase Hua Hin's charm to the world- scenic view, luxurious hotels, warm hospitality and world-class golf course," said Jira Pongpaiboon, Mayor of Hua Hin.

Other sponsors who have confirmed their partnership with the Black Mountain Masters include Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Hua Hin Hotelier's Club, Asian Golf Monthly, Ricoh, Hua Hin City and Prachaupkirikhan Province, Bangkok Post,Acushnet, Golfer Online and Big Chilli.

About Black Mountain Golf Club

Black Mountain is the 7th and newest golf course in Hua Hin and launched in 2007. The course is set in a valley, just next to the "Black Mountain's", which are so named because of the large black rocks set into the mountains, providing a nice backdrop to many of the holes.

The par-72, 7345 yards course is designed by Pacific Coast Design. The most important features are the natural creeks that run throughout the course and the natural rocks that have been used as design features on many of the holes. As many of the original trees as possible have been kept and many new trees have been planted to frame the holes. Very important in the design concept, was to create a course that could be a test for the top golfers in the world but also very playable and enjoyable to the average golfer.

All the holes provide the golfer with a safe route but for the more adventurous player there is a higher risk option with a potential greater reward. The design offers generous fairways for the shorter hitter but becoming narrower for the longer hitter. The greens are large with many pin positions, with different degrees of difficulty, and the course is well protected by beautifully sculptured bunkers.

Facilities: After what has hopefully been a low score, but if not, at least an unforgettable golfing experience, you can then enjoy the luxurious clubhouse and the fine dining on offer.

Source: Asian Tour

(China.org.cn March 19, 2009)