Yesterday, the Nation Multimedia Group (NMG) launched the fourth edition with offers of handsome prizes, including a Bt1.59-million Volkswagen Passat 2.3 V5, for those who make an ace in courses around the country.

The year-long contest will be held at the Muang Kaew Golf Course on Bangna-Trat Road on the third Wednesday of each month from March 21. The flight A, B and C champions from each qualifying event of the stroke-play tournament are eligible for the Nation's Swing Challenge at the Chiangmai Highlands Golf Course on February 20.

The NMG, which is celebrating its 36th anniversary this year, is planning to make the competition greater and more exciting with interesting activities. Golfers from co-sponsors will also get a chance to participate in the event and Bt1 million will be awarded by Phatara Insurance to those golfers who can hit a hole-in-one at a designated hole.

Guests and golfers, who can hole from a specific distance with just one attempt, will be given Bt10,000. Cash prizes will also be given to those who win the nearest to the pin award apart from trophies, accomplishment certificates, golf bags, t-shirts and umbrellas for all participants.

Thanachai Santichaikul, vice chairman and group president of the Nation Multimedia Group, hoped more ace-makers will

participate in the event this year.

"The tournament has grown since its inception in 2003. A nine-year-old kid has taken part in the tournament, while the oldest was a 72-year man. We are proud to organise a party for the golfers every month and publish their names in our group newspapers - The Nation, Krungthep Turakij and Kom Chad Luek," he said.

Aeumsree Boonhachairat, president, special events, said the tournament had sparked much interest among golfers.

"There are more than 600,000 golfers in Thailand. Every month about 200 sink an ace. In the annual competition of our first edition in 2003, only 120 ace-makers participated. The next two years the figure grew to 180 with locals and nationals of different countries taking part," she said.

Ronachai Chinwattanaporn, executive director of auto dealer Yontrakit, said his company was glad to sponsor the event for the fourth successive year. "In some way we have become inseparable. Last year, we gave away a Bt1.6 million Kia Carnival and this time a Volkswagen Passat 2.3 V5, worth Bt1.59 million, will be at stake in the Nation's Swing Challenge. We want to see a lucky golfer drive away with a Volkswagen," he said.

Sponsoring the year-long competition are Phatara Insurance, Singha Corporation, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Nok Air, Colozeo, Canon, SCB Titanium Golf Card, Asus Computer, Muang Kaew Golf Course and NMG.

The NMG's Customer Service Centre can be contacted at tel 02-340 1575 for more information.

Teerapot Taweewanabul

The Nation