Singapore – The inaugural 2008 KTO Junior Challenge Golf Tournament teed off on Thursday, 29 May at the Laguna Phuket Golf Club under blue skies and temperate weather. The international 36-hole tournament saw a field of boys and girls, ages 7 to 15 from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Friday early morning showers ended in sufficient time allowing play to commence at the scheduled tee times.
The Opening Ceremony, a reception held on Wednesday evening was a casual, fun affair. Presenting sponsor Richmond Group Thailand played host to players, their families, and partners at THE RESIDENCE Villa. While guests wined and dined, Kids-Tee-Off Managing Director, Ms. Pamela Wigglesworth and Richmond Group CEO, Mr. Graham Bibby welcomed everyone to Phuket and kicked off the 2008 KTO Junior Challenge golf tournament.
Once the general formalities were out of the way, graceful Thai dancers in ornate, vibrant colored costumes accompanied by male drummers in cultural dress entertained the audience with a variety of cultural dances. The five performances were courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket office. As the reception came to a close, players left carrying their stuffed goody bags, full of high energy and expectations for the days ahead.
As part of the KTO Junior Challenge week, two lucky players were able to experience a RESIDENCE villa first hand as winners of the PLAY & STAY contest held in early March. Master Wesson Ng from Singapore, and Miss Pornpawee Thammavichai from Thailand, along with their families enjoyed a 5D/4N stay in a three bedroom pool villa during the course of the tournament.
“It has been a pleasure for Kids-Tee-Off to put on the KTO Junior Challenge golf tournament. As a junior golf apparel & accessories company, this is another way for us to assist in ‘growing the game’ in the Asia Pacific region.” said Ms. Wigglesworth. “As the kids teed off on day one, naturally you expect the older kids to play very well, but we were in awe at the level of skill that we saw in the younger players. Amazing, simply amazing.”
Crystal trophies were awarded to the winners of the six divisions as follows: Boys 15-17, Scott Ferguson of Malaysia with a nett score 159, Girls 10-12, Lim Jia Yi of Singapore with a nett score 139, Boys 11-12, S Vikkash Babu of Singapore with a nett score 130, Boys 9-10, In-Touch Ruckpanich from Thailand with a nett score 126, Girls 8-9, Piyanida (Nicky) Meenil of Thailand nett score 140, Boys 8 & Under, Andre Chong of Singapore with a nett score 93.
As the tournament came to a close, many families stayed on to continue their holiday, shop and visit the sites of Phuket. “It was nice to have some of the parents ask us when we will do this again or to tell us that they will register their child for next year.” Ms. Wigglesworth added. “All in all, we could not have created such an event had it not been for the support of Mr. Tim Haddon, Laguna Phuket Director of Golf and Ms. Walaiporn Pattamavichitvong, Laguna Phuket, Sales & Promotions Manager, and foremost, our Presenting Sponsor, Graham Bibby of Richmond Group Thailand and Ann O'Neill our Tournament Director. We are incredibly grateful for their support.” ended Ms. Wigglesworth.
