Blue Canyon to host Johnnie Walker event
[GOLF] The US$2.4-million Johnnie Walker Classic will return to Thailand next March, silencing rumours it could be moved to other countries due to the government's attempt to ban alcohol advertising and sponsorship.
Organisers Riche Monde (Bangkok), distributor of the beverage, insisted on keeping the tournament, due between March 1-4 at Phuket's Blue Canyon Country Club. "Our company has the firm intention to organise and promote the golf tournament. There will be no problem if we have to refrain from advertising," said Vorathep Rangchaikul, president of Riche Monde. Earlier this year, the company considered relocating the event to another Asian nation if it was not allowed to use its logo and the brand name for the tournament. Vorathep said the other reason they kept the event in Thailand was to help promote the recovery of the southern island devastated by the tsunami two years ago. The government's proposed legislation to ban liquor advertising and sponsorship has been indefinitely postponed as the Ministry of Health failed to introduce it in the National Legislative Assembly. The indications are that it might take longer than the term of the current government. Tri-sanctioned by the European, Asian and Australian Tours, the 16th Johnnie Walker Classic will be staged in the Kingdom for the sixth time since it started in 1990. World No 1 Tiger Woods is a two-time champion in 1998 at the Blue Canyon Club and 2000 at the Thai Country Club. Spanish veteran Miguel Jimenez was the champion when it was last held in Thailand in 2004. This year three top 10 marquee names - Adam Scott of Australia and Retief Goosen and Ernie Els of South Africa - have confirmed their participation. Goosen, who last won the tournament in Perth 2002, will make his second visit at the Blue Canyon where he shared the Tiger Skins title with Thomas Bjorn in 2005. "I won this tournament before. I've heard the course will be tough and I look forward to coming back to Phuket again," said Goosen, ranked No 6 on the PGA Tour, in an interview. For the "Big Easy", he will attempt to make amends at this same venue where he lost a nail-biting play-off to Woods in 1998. The other big-name to feature in Thailand's most expensive golf tournament is British Ryder Cup star Paul Casey.
Lerpong Amsa-ngiam The Nation
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