BEIJING, April 24 -- Xinhua/PRNewswire/AsiaNet
Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee has received yet another accolade in his
glowing career when he was named as the 2004 Johnnie Walker Asian Golfer of the
Year on Saturday night.
(Photos: http://xprnnews.xfn.info/JWGC/awards/picture1.htm
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Thongchai, a former paratrooper, was honoured at the Johnnie Walker Classic
Gala Dinner held at the Great Hall of the People at Tiananmen Square.
England's Luke Donald was also presented the Johnnie Walker Young Player of the
Year award.
It was the second time that Thongchai, who grew up playing golf with a
make-shift three iron stuck on a bamboo stick, has received the prestigious
title. He won it the first time in 2002 after becoming the Asian number one in
the previous season.
In 2004, the Thai star enjoyed his best season yet when he won twice,
including the Carlsberg Malaysian Open which made him the first Thai winner on
The European Tour. With five other top-10s in nine starts, the Thai claimed
his second Asian Tour Order of Merit title in four years with record winnings
of US$381,929.
"I am honoured to receive this award again. Some of the past winners
include great names like Zhang Lian-wei, Choi Kyung-ju, Arjun Atwal and Boonchu
Ruangkit and I am proud to be in their company," said Thongchai, who entered
the final round of the Johnnie Walker Classic in tied 12th place after a third
round 64.
"My year's highlight in 2004 was probably winning in Malaysia as I made a
hole in one on the final day."
The selection panel recognised Thongchai's efforts in Europe as well last
season where he finished 43rd on The European Tour Order of Merit in his rookie
year on the continent. Thongchai's memorable 2004 season also saw him earning
invites from golf legend Jack Nicklaus to play in last year's Memorial
Tournament and also the US PGA Championship, the year's final Major.
The 27-year-old Donald, presently ranked 13th in the world, was honoured
after a tremendous season in 2004 where he won twice on The European Tour. He
was also a member of the victorious European Ryder Cup team and capped his
season in style by partnering Paul Casey to help England lift the WGC-World Cup
title in Seville, Spain.
About The Johnnie Walker Classic
The Johnnie Walker Classic is more than just a golf tournament. Along with
a week of official parties, Johnnie Walker will be raising money for the "Keep
Walking" Thailand Tsunami fund and will be promoting messages encouraging
people to drink in moderation. This includes the 15th hole, on which the
signage carries messages about responsible drinking.
For further information, please contact Burson Marsteller at the Johnnie
Walker Classic press centre at tel: +86 10 8019 1305 or fax: +86 10 8019 1370.
Also, visit http://www.asiantour.com for live scoring and
http://www.johnniewalkerclassic.com .
CONTACT:
Beijing
Polka Yu
Tel: +86-10-6505-6363 ext. 224
Fax: +86-10-6505-6380
Mobile: +86-1355-2481-824
Email: [email protected]
Shanghai
Holly Hu
Tel: +86-21-5403-2121 ext. 171
Fax: +86-21-5403-1646
Mobile: +86-1376-1683-747
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE: JOHNNIE WALKER
--Distributed by AsiaNet (www.asianetnews.net)--