The Black Mountain Masters will return as the Asian Tour’s season finale from December 16-19, 2010, promising a gathering of the region’s top stars in Thailand to vie for the coveted Order of Merit crown.

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Officials announced in a press conference today that the tournament’s prize fund will also increase by US$100,000 to US$600,000, with this year’s winner taking home a cool US$95,100.

Swedish star Johan Edfors has confirmed his title defence at the spectacular Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, which is located south of the capital city of Bangkok.

“I’m certainly excited about coming back to Black Mountain to defend my title from last year,” said Edfors, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour.

England’s Simon Khan, winner of Europe’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship this year, and Finland’s Mikko Ilonen will also feature in the full field Asian Tour event, which made its debut in March last year.

The Black Mountain Masters will be the fourth tournament in Thailand to feature on the Asian Tour Schedule this season which reinforces the strong association between the Asian Tour and the golf-loving nation.

Over the years, Thailand has produced great champions including history-maker Thongchai Jaidee, Boonchu Ruangkit, Prayad Marksaeng, Chapchai Nirat and Chinnarat Phadungsil.

“We are honoured and delighted that the Black Mountain Masters will take up the prestigious position as the season-finale event that will bring the thrilling 2010 Asian Tour season to an exciting close,” said Harald Elisson, General Manager of Black Mountain.

“This will also be our signature event that gives us the opportunity to host the elite players on the Asian Tour. We are also delighted to confirm the participation of Black Mountain members and property owners Edfors, Ilonen and Khan and we are looking forward to another spectacular week of golf,” added Elisson.

Last year, the big-hitting Edfors, who has won three titles in Europe and also the TCL Classic in China, completed a commanding wire-to-wire victory at the Black Mountain Golf Club. The course is set in a valley next to the “Black Mountains” – so named because of the large black rocks which are set into the mountains.

Home hero Prayad finished tied second after a blistering final round 64 with Chapchai and reigning Asian Tour number one Thongchai sharing fifth place.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han believes the return of the Black Mountain Masters as the Tour’s season-finale will ensure another thrilling conclusion to the year as players vie for the Order of Merit title and also their Tour cards for next season.

“On behalf of the Asian Tour, I would like to express our fullest appreciation to Black Mountain Golf Club for its strong support of the Asian Tour. Its commitment towards professional golf is instrumental towards the growth and development of Asian golf.

“Last year’s inaugural event was highly successful and our players were absolutely complimentary of the world-class facilities and championship golf course at Black Mountain.

“The Asian Tour continues to receive strong support from Corporate Asia, especially in Thailand and I’m confident the Black Mountain Masters will bring an exciting climax to our 2010 season especially when there is so much to play for,” added Han.

Since the inauguration of the Asian Tour as a members’ organisation in 2004, a total of 22 tournaments offering a combined purse of over US$29 million have been staged in Thailand.

The full field Black Mountain Masters will feature 144 players where the tournament winner will earn a two-year exemption on the Asian Tour, widely regarded now as the third largest Tour in the world behind the PGA Tour and European Tour.

The tournament will also be broadcast live over four rounds on the Asian Tour’s global television network which reaches to over 40 countries worldwide.

Broadcast partners of the Asian Tour include Guangdong Golf Channel and CCTV in China, PCCW in Hong Kong, ABS-CBN in the Philippines, StarHub in Singapore, Sportscast in Chinese Taipei, SportTV in Portugal, Fox International in the Middle East, Canal+ in Spain, Iko Balkan in Balkans, Skysports in the United Kingdom, FoxSports in Australia, ESPN Star Sports in India, CCTV in China, Indovision in Indonesia, Astro in Malaysia, JGolf in Korea, Viasat in Scandinavia and True Vision in Thailand.

Surrey, England – May, 2010

After only receiving his entry into the tournament through a late invitation, Simon Kahn flourished when many of his counterparts crashed.

Under enormous pressure,  how did Simon manage to keep his head?  “I reminded myself that this is what I have always dreamed of doing, to be playing professional golf and particularly to have a chance of winning this tournament,” he said.

After receiving a sponsorship from Black Mountain last year, Simon has been playing strongly but even his biggest supporters would not have expected this win.

“We at Black Mountain are extremely pleased for Simon and his win at Wentworth this year.  Not only from a sponsorship point of view but also that we know how much hard work he has put in recently and to see him get the results he deserves is fantastic,” said Black Mountain General Manager, Mr Harald Elisson.

This victory now gives Kahn automatic entry into “The Open” Championship at St Andrews this year, as well as the next two years.

“We’ll certainly be cheering Simon on when he competes at “The Open” and I know I will be watching it, all the best Simon,” commented Mr. Elisson.

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Black Mountain Golf Club is once again in the running for awards in:

• Best Golf Course in Thailand

• Best Championship Course Asia/Pacific

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Of course, we can only achieve this with the help of our loyal members, golfers and friends who are
willing to vote for us in the Asian Golf Monthly Magazine 2010 Awards.

To vote, please CLICK HERE, then fill in the online voting form with your details.

Hua Hin, Thailand – April, 2010

Ilonen was impressed with Black Mountain and returned regularly after playing in the Black Mountain Masters in 2009.  “I enjoyed playing in the Black Mountain Masters and the facilities and atmosphere was great,” said Ilonen.

He was so fond of Black Mountain that he went on to purchase one of the luxury courseside condominiums.  “For me, buying a condo at Black Mountain made sense.  I plan to be here regularly in the future so living on the course is great,” commented Ilonen.

Ilonen now joins a long list of pro golfers that are supported by the club including Swede Johan Edfors; Thai National, Thongchai Jaidee and Scot, Simon Yates.

Black Mountain General Manager, Mr. Harald Elisson said, “Everyone at Black Mountain is very proud to be supporting Mikko in the coming years and we all look forward to seeing him around the club and residences more often.  We are confident that he will continue his good form this year and we wish him all the best.”

Residents are now utilising their investments and commenting on the fantastic facilities such as the swimming pool and indoor gymnasium.

With a large portion of the condominiums now sold, those interested in purchasing a condo will have to move quickly.

For more information contact info@bmghuahin.com

Condominiums starting from only 5.9 m baht.