In a major boost for the future of golf in Thailand, the Thailand Golf Foundation (TGF), in partnership with The R&A and the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation, has successfully launched the inaugural Community Golf Instructor Programme. This initiative is a critical step in making golf more accessible to youth and significantly increasing the nation's overall golfing population.
The first Community Golf Instructor Programme was held from November 17-19, 2025, at the Heritage Hotel in Lopburi. The three-day event provided intensive training to 50 participants from 11 schools and one university, including teachers and students who had never played golf before.
The ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Lopburi Provincial Education Officer Mr. Watcharapong Pipatsuriyawong, Lopburi Provincial Sports and Tourism Officer Mr. Mahitthon Suraboonjaras, TGF Chairman Mr. Suthin Darunyothin, and Thongchai Jaidee Foundation Chairman Dr. Thongchai Jaidee.
The initiative aims to build on Thailand's strong golfing heritage, which has produced world-class champions like Dr. Thongchai Jaidee and current world number one, Atthaya "Jeeno" Thitikul.
Jerome Ng, Director of Golf Development Asia Pacific at The R&A, praised the effort: “Initiatives, like the Community Golf Instructor Programme, will help build on this success by making golf more readily accessible and inclusive. We are pleased to work with our partners in Thailand to help communities introduce more young people to golf and to support the long-term growth of the sport nationwide.”
The programme's roots stem from a long-term vision of the Thailand Golf Foundation, which was formally established through a collaboration of major Thai golf associations.
Mrs. Rae-Vadee T. Suwan, Committee Member and Secretary-General of the Thailand Golf Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s motivation, citing a challenge from The R&A to help create five million new golfers in the region.
“We accepted the challenge... recognizing that the journey must begin in schools where opportunities remain limited. This is how the Community Golf Instructor Programme began,” she stated.
TGF Chairman Mr. Suthin Darunyothin encouraged the participants to carry the torch: "I encourage you to bring the knowledge gained back to your communities and introduce golf to children—from basic skills to the possibility of one day becoming professional golfers."
Dr. Thongchai Jaidee confirmed the commitment to rural growth: "We will continue to build upon the programme... expanding opportunities especially for students in rural areas who lack access to golf... We are committed to increasing the golfing population, with Thailand serving as a central development hub."
The launch marks a significant milestone in democratizing the sport, promising to unlock the potential of a new generation of Thai golfers.
