New Asian Tour golf event for Thailand

Renowned Thai seaside resort Hua Hin will host a new Asian Tour event next year when the Black Mountain Masters makes its debut, with several European golfers already signed up.

The 500,000 US dollar event will be staged from March 26-29 at the Black Mountain Golf Club with Thai star Thongchai Jaidee spearheading the local challenge.

Swedish stalwart Jesper Parnevik, who has five victories on the USPGA Tour, and European Tour winners Johan Edfors of Sweden and Finland's Mikko Ilonen have also confirmed their participation.

"We are delighted to welcome on board a new and exciting tournament in Thailand on the Asian Tour in 2009," said Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han.

"Thai players have achieved so much success over the past decade and it is timely that their rise in stature on the Asian Tour is reflected as well with the emergence of new tournaments in the Kingdom."

The tournament will comprise the leading 148 Asian Tour professional players and eight invites.