World-class stars to show prowess to Thais
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World-class stars to show prowess to Thais

LIV to make Asian debut at Stonehill

LIV Golf Invitational Chicago champion Cameron Smith and Boston winner Dustin Johnson will compete among an all-star 48-player field at the US$25 million LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok, organisers said yesterday.

The series' first event in Asia will be held at Stonehill in Pathum Thani from Oct 7-9.

The star-studded line-up for the sixth event of this year's LIV Golf Invitational Series features 12 major champions including reigning British Open winner Smith, Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau and Sergio Garcia.

Australian Smith won in Chicago ahead of runner-up Peter Uihlein of the US and American Johnson earlier this month.

"The LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok marks a significant step for LIV Golf in Asia, a massive market with incredible passion for the sport," LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman said.

"Our investment in the Asian Tour with the International Series has already begun to create new opportunities in golf.

"This tournament in Thailand is further proof of LIV Golf's commitment to showcasing top competition amongst the best golfers on the planet while connecting with new audiences around the world. Excitement continues to build with each event, and we can't wait to deliver a memorable tournament at Stonehill, a one-of-a-kind venue."

In addition to watching major champions and a roster of world-famous names, local fans will have another reason to cheer at the new Stonehill course, with Thai players Sadom Kaewkanjana and Phachara Khongwatmai once again competing in the high-profile field thanks to their high standings in the Asian Tour and International Series Order of Merit.

Meanwhile, Smith is eager to bring the circuit's series to new international audiences as it prepares to make debuts in Thailand and Saudi Arabia next month.

LIV Golf's June debut in London was followed by four consecutive events in the United States.

The series will break new ground at Stonehill from Oct 7-9 before travelling to Jeddah a week later.

Reflecting on the opportunity ahead to play in back-to-back international tournaments, the 29-year-old Smith said: "I think it is fantastic. That's one of the reasons why I came over here to play golf around the world.

"I think my time when I was a young professional over in Asia are some of the best times of my life. Travelling with good friends and playing really good tournaments was something I will never forget, and I'm really looking forward and really excited for what this Tour is going to bring to the golf world."

Smith has been impressed with the "supercharged golf" and electric atmosphere delivered at LIV Golf tournaments.

LIV Golf features a unique and fan-friendly format in which events are played over three days and feature shotgun starts, a 48-man field battling for both team and individual titles, and on-course music adding to a lively environment for players and fans, alike.

Smith said: "It's really cool. It's something that I've gotten used to over the last couple of weeks, and I can't wait to keep this going. It's unreal out here. I love the energy. Everyone is really engaged and everyone is really watching what you are doing. It's awesome.

"I think the music out on the golf course and on the range is something that I really enjoy. I think everyone out there really enjoys it, as well. I feel like the fans are closer to you and they are probably a little bit louder on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, but I love it. The atmosphere is perfect."

US golfer Pat Perez said: "The fans have been amazing at every event. They are behind us, they're for it. They get to see top players every day. You're getting them to compete every day. It is incredible, and the fan support has been amazing every week."

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