Published on October 05, 2005

[GOLF] The lucky winners in The Nation’s Hole-In-One competition for 2004-2005, including big prize winner Prakij Jivakanunt, yesterday received their rewards at the Nation Tower in Bangna, and said they would not miss next year’s tournament.

The 65-year-old Prakij, who hit a hole-in-one on the par-3 7th hole at the Muang Ake Vista course in Pathum Thani on July 20, 2004, said he was very happy when he discovered he’d won the Bt1.6 million KIA Carnival multipurpose car in the Grand Lucky Draw of The Nation Swing Challenge.

“I joined this tournament for the first time and didn’t expect too much in the grand award. So when I was announced as the winner of the car, I was extremely happy,” he said.

“I will participate in the event again next year, and hope to bring another car home,” laughed Prakij, who owns a clothing business and plays off a handicap of 18. Sathit Techalapamnouy, director of sales and marketing at the Yontrakit Kia Motor Co, Ltd congratulated the winner and said the KIA Carnival was suited to a golfer’s lifestyle.

“We are very pleased to see our customer get a car that suits his lifestyle. The KIA Carnival is a vehicle well suited for golfers who can take their family to golf courses.”

Prasert Lekavanichkajorn, the president of the Krungthep Turakij newspaper and The Nation’s Hole-In-One director, revealed that the third tournament, which starts on December 14, will move to the Muang Kaew course and offer more challenges and prizes. “Our last two projects received a great response from amateur golfers, both Thais and foreigners. So the next tournament we have decided to increase the overall prize money to Bt40 million and again the major prize will be the KIA car,” said Prasert.

“Another category will be added to make the competition more attractive, such as a longest drive award at every par-5 hole,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nation Multimedia Group (NMG) has been selected as the media partner for the Royal Trophy Europe-Asia Golf Championship, which will tee off in January. As a result, winners in The Nation’s Hole-In-One competition will be offered special prizes for those who join the first round of competition in December. The winners will be awarded tickets to compete in the Pro-Am round of the Royal Trophy tournament as well as tickets to watch the tournament at the Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok.

Montreechai Lumyongsatian

The Nation

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