Stars line up for Thai Golf Championship debut

A star-studded field is preparing for battle at the inaugural Thailand Golf Championship, amid a whiff of controversy over the $1 million prize money up for grabs in the flood-hit kingdom. Organisers hope that the tournament, which tees off on Thursday at Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok, will boost the kingdom's image after the disaster had a severe impact on the crucial tourism industry. Despite the withdrawal of US Open champion Rory McIlroy because of illness, the tournament has attracted a host of big names including British Open winner Darren Clarke and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel from South Africa. Other stars expected to help attract record crowds at the season-ending event are world number three Lee Westwood of England, Sergio Garcia from Spain, American big hitter John Daly and home favourite Thongchai Jaidee. Clarke, who has suffered a poor run since winning the Open in July, said he was looking for a victory in Thailand to round off the year on a high note. "I'm trying to win again. If I do it would be great," said the Northern Irishman. However he knows he faces stiff opposition from not just European opponents but the Asian competitors too. "The players (in Asia) are getting better and better," he said. "They travel more and play around the world." The tournament is not without controversy, however, with the government accused of spending large sums on appearance money for the big stars that critics say could have been put to better use helping flood victims. Veteran Thai player Thaworn Wiratchant was quoted in the Bangkok Post as saying: "While it might be a good idea to show the rest of the world that Thailand is back to normal, I think the money could have been used to helping the thousands of people affected by the flood." There have even been calls for the event to be cancelled. But Asian Tour executive chairman Kyi Hla Han said calling off the event was not an option and argued it would raise money for those affected by the floods, which left hundreds dead and caused severe damage to homes and businesses. "There is a lot of charity effort for the flood victims already in place for the tournament," he said. "Thailand is trying to get back to normal and by having this event we are doing our part." Thongchai, Thailand's top golfer, agreed. "Having these stars here we can help a lot of the charities raise money," he said recently. The players have already put their words into action. At a charity event on Tuesday night they raised 2.5 million baht. Proceeds from ticket sales will also go to flood relief.