For the first time, the year-end ATGT Order of Merit winner will receive not only Bt500,000 but also a card for next year’s 2020 Asian Tour and a wildcard into the 2020 Singapore Open.

Since it was established in 1999, ATGT has continued its growth steadily and has turned into the biggest local golf tour. A number of leading Thai golfers, including current Thai No 1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat, have played on the tour to sharpen their skills before trying their luck internationally.

“Our tour has developed dramatically over the past 21 years,” said ATGT commissioner Jaraphong Thongyai. “This year we are moving up to another level as we become one of the tours that give world ranking points.”

The 2019 calendar features 10 ATGT events and two ATGT and ADT co-sanctioned events.

Four have already been staged: the Bt4 million Boonchu Ruangkit Championship (ADT co-sanctioned, won by Itthipat Buranatanyarat), Bt3m Singha E-San Open (won by Danthai Boonma), the Bt4m Thongchai Jaidee Foundation (ADT co-sanctioned, won by Sadom Kaewkanjana) and the Bt5m Singha Thailand Masters (won by Prom Meesawat).

Next up are the Bt2m Singha Chiang Mai Open at the end of this month, the Bt2m Singha Laguna Phuket Open and Bt2m Singha Classic in Nakhon Nayok, in May, Bt3m Singha All Thailand Championship in Nakhon Pathom in June, Bt2m Singha Hua Hin Open in July, Bt2m Singha Championship  in Rayong, Bt3m Singha Pattaya Open and Bt4m BG Bangkok Open in Nakhon Nayok in October.

An extra Bt100,000 money, provided by the Bangkok Glass company, will also be given to the first player who hits a hole-in-one in a par-3 hole at any of those tournaments. If nobody manages the feat during the entire season, Bangkok Glass will donate Bt200,000 to charity.