Golf: Chiangmai Classic postponed after Thai unrest

Chinese tourists take photograph with a giant Buddha image while touring Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand Tuesday, May 27, 2014. The drama of Thailand’s military takeover has played out mainly in the political arena. While the army detains political leaders and issues stern warnings on TV, tourists are kicking back on the country’s famed beaches and sightseeing in Bangkok. The main impact on visitors for now is a 10 p.m. curfew, which forces nightlife to close four hours earlier. AP

HONG KONG — The $750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic, originally scheduled to take place in Thailand next month, has been postponed, organisers announced Wednesday.

A deepening political crisis in the divided kingdom saw martial law declared last month and the organisers said in a statement released by the Asian Tour that the event in the northern Thai city would be rescheduled later in the year.

Last year’s inaugural Chiangmai Classic, won by Australia’s Scott Hend, also featured an appearance by four-time major winner Ernie Els of South Africa who tied for 14th place.

“Organisers of the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT have announced the postponement of the US$750,000 Asian Tour tournament scheduled at the Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai from July 3-6, 2014, to a later date this year,” the statement said.

“All sponsors of the event have expressed their full support and continued commitment towards the prestigious tournament which is aimed at promoting professional golf in Thailand as well as the city of Chiangmai and Thailand.”

RELATED STORIES

Timeline: Key dates in Thai political crisis

Thai curfew lifted in three tourist hotspots