Former Asian Tour No.1s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thaworn Wiratchant will lead the field at this week's inaugural tournament to honour legendary player Boonchu Ruangkit.
Boonchu Ruangkit, third left, with some of Thailand's top players.
The three-million-baht Boonchu Ruangkit Championship, sanctioned by both the Asian Development Tour and Singha All Thailand Golf Tour, will tee off at Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club in honour of Boonchu, 58, who has made a huge contribution to the sport in his country and throughout Asia.
"I am really proud to play in this tournament because Boonchu is a golfing legend in Thailand," said Kiradech.
"I think Boonchu will feel really honoured to have a tournament named after him.
"He deserves it because he has done a lot for the sport in the country and also for golfers of a new generation."
Regarded by many as the 'Godfather of Asian golf', Boonchu also served as president of the Thailand Professional Golf Association from 2008-10.
The inaugural Boonchu Ruangkit Championship is the first tournament in honour of a player in Thailand.
There are 132 players in the tournament with the top 55 and ties qualifying for the final rounds.
Two-time Asian Tour No.1 Thaworn said that apart from amazing technical skills, Boonchu has set a good example for young golfers by proving that age is not necessarily an obstacle when it comes to playing competitive golf.
Boonchu became the first Thai golfer to win an Asian Tour title with his triumph at the 1995 Langkawi Open in Malaysia.
He has since won four more tournaments on the tour.
He has claimed five titles on the European Senior Tour, and also won the 2013 ISPS Handa Cup on the Japan PGA Senior Tour.
Prayad Marksaeng, who won the Singha All Thailand Grand Final in Khon Kaen last month, praised Boonchu for his contribution, saying he had set an important example for younger players.