Sentosa: Santi Bhirombhakdi, president of Singha Corporation Co Ltd, has accepted an invitation by the Asian Tour to become its patron.
The 70-year-old Santi, who is an avid golfer, has been credited as one of the key driving forces for the growth and development of golf in Thailand through his involvement with the game which began over 30 years ago.
His company sponsors the domestic All Thailand Golf Tour and supports leading Thai professional golfers including Thongchai Jaidee, Boonchu Ruangkit and Kiradech Aphibarnrat as well as the nation's leading female golfers.
In addition, Santi has endorsed the group's sponsorship of multiple Asian Tour events held in the Kingdom for over the past 20 years, which has contributed towards Thailand's strong stature in the game.
This season, a total of 14 Thai golfers finished in the top 60 of the Asian Tour's final Order of Merit to secure full playing rights for the upcoming 2017 season. Top Thai stars Thongchai and Kiradech will end 2016 in the world's top-100 ranking -- statistics that enforce Thailand's strength in the game.
Asian Tour Chairman Jimmy Masrin said, "The Asian Tour is privileged that Khun Santi has graciously agreed to become an Asian Tour Patron. It is wonderful news for us as he has passionately supported and driven the growth of golf in Thailand and Asia."
Santi said: "I am honoured the Asian Tour has asked me to become a Tour Patron as I love the sport dearly. Golf is growing across Asia and I look forward to offering my advice to the Tour's Board of Directors for the game to maintain its expansion in our region and for the Asian Tour to keep leading the way with its strategic and comprehensive plans."