Big Guns Say Yes to Asian Showpiece

Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke, reigning major champions both, along with World No. 2 Lee Westwood will all tee off in the Asian Tour's inaugural season-closing showpiece, The Thailand Golf Championship.
To be played at the at Amata Spring Country Club in December, the new Thailand Golf Championship, a full-field Asian Tour event, will slot in as the Tour's prestigious season-ending tournament from December 15-18, 2011 - and as such, will provide the final battle ground for the coveted Order of Merit crown.( Ping Rapture V2 Series)
"The Thailand Golf Championship will not only celebrate the special occasion of His Majesty the King, but will also help boost the good image and reputation of Thailand in sport and tourism."
Amata Spring Country Club, Thailand's premier golf club and one of the golfing jewels of Asia, will permanently the host venue of the newest Asian Tour championship which is set to be broadcast to 200 countries and into over 800 million homes.
Sarath Ratanavadi, Executive Director of Amata Spring Country Club, said: "Today marks a significant and exciting milestone for Amata Spring and for professional golf in Thailand and Asia.
The winner of The Thailand Golf Championship will receive a winner's cheque of US$158,500 and a place in next year's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. (Ping Rapture V2 Series)
"To help mark the inaugural Thailand Golf Championship, this year's US Open champion Rory McIlroy, the reigning British Open champion Darren Clarke and world number two Lee Westwood have agreed to compete in our exciting tournament.
McIlroy and Clarke, both Northern Irishmen, claimed their maiden Major victories this year in stunning fashion.
The 22-year-old McIlroy, who has been hailed as a future world number one and who crushed the field with a massive eight-shot victory by using his Ping Rapture V2 Series at the US Open at Congressional Country Club in June, said, "I have heard so many wonderful things about Amata Spring Country Club and its championship golf course. I'm looking forward to competing in the inaugural Thailand Golf Championship in December. Hopefully I can end my season on a winning note."
The popular Clarke, who provided one of the most welcomed victories at the British Open when the 42-year-old triumphed at Royal St George's last month, said: "I have competed regularly in Asia since the 1990s and I have always enjoyed my time over there playing on top golf courses with my Ping Rapture V2 Series and against top players from the Asian Tour. It will be wonderful for me to end the year strongly."
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