Bangkok--28 Dec--Index Creative Village
Ayodhya Links has been selected by GOLF Magazine U.S.A. for inclusion in its newest ranking of the TOP 100 Courses in the World. Making its debut at Number 76 in the World, the eight-year-old private course is the first entry from Thailand and South East Asia to earn a spot on the oldest and most prestigious ranking of the world's top golf courses.
"We are extremely honored to have been awarded this distinction by GOLF Magazine U.S.A." said club founder and Chairman Pitak Intrawityanunt. "Not only is this a tremendous achievement for everyone associated with Ayodhya Links, but it is also a proud occasion for Thailand and the game of golf. We've worked diligently to present Ayodhya Links is the finest fashion possible and it's very satisfying to see our efforts recognized by golfers and by such a respected publication as GOLF Magazine."
Located one hour north of Bangkok's City Center, Ayodhya Links features a routing by Australian legend Peter Thomson. However, the grading and construction of the course was completed by Chairman Intrawityanunt and his handpicked team.
Following a devastating flood in 2011, the course remained under water for several months. However, the Chairman realized he had the opportunity to set out with his team to redesign many holes. The result is 7,626-championship test that is renowned for its, superb shaping, generous fairway landing areas, strategic bunkering and dramatic green contours. GOLF Magazine's course ranking panelists also praised the remarkable variety of holes at Ayodhya Links as well as the immaculate conditioning throughout.
GOLF Magazine began ranking the world's best courses in 1979. Rankings are determined by a 100-strong international panel, whose members represent 17 countries. Panelists evaluate a ballot of 492 courses. Voters include major championship winners, Ryder Cup players, architects, leading amateurs, administrators, journalists, photographers and a cadre of more than a dozen connoisseurs who have managed to play all of the world's TOP 100 courses.
"All credit to Pitak Intrawityanunt and to Ayodhya Links," said Joe Passov ,Senior Editor at GOLF Magazine and Chairman of the TOP 100 Course Rankings Panel. Ayodhya Links has always attracted universal support as a TOP 100 course, but until 2015, it never had garnered the minimum number of panelist evaluations to make the list. Once that a sufficient number of voters played the course, it achieved TOP 100 status in spectacular fashion. We at GOLF Magazine recognize that golf is truly an international game, so it's gratifying to see a golf-rich country such as Thailand finally make grade with a worthy TOP 100 course."