Golf is open to all
The R&A
The R&A supports launch of Thai Community Golf Instructor Programme
21 Nov 25
6 mins
The Thailand Golf Foundation, in collaboration with The R&A and the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation, has launched the Community Golf Instructor Programme, an initiative designed to develop community-level golf instructors and expand youth access to the sport.
The programme also aims to increase the overall golfing population nationwide. With the combined efforts of the three organizations, the vision has taken shape, leading to the first-ever Community Golf Instructor Programme held from 17-19 November 2025 at the Heritage Hotel, Lopburi. The programme commenced on 17 November with an opening ceremony, followed by lectures on community-based golf instruction and demonstrations by professional coaching teams led by Pro Pompetch Sarabuddhi, Head Coach of the Thongchai Jaidee Golf Academy. On 18 November, participants practiced hands-on teaching methods based on the training they had received. The final day, 19 November, featured instructional stations, group-based teaching assessments, and concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony. A total of 50 participants from 11 schools and one university took part in the programme, including representatives from: Khok Charoen School, Kok Lumphan School, Ngam Mee Sri School, Chaibadan Pittayakom School, Thongchai Jaidee Trai Witaed Suksa School, Ban Wang Ploeng School, Pen Pattana School, Mueang Lawoe Witaya School, Rung Niwat School, Winit Suksa School under the Royal Patronage, Suwattanabordee School, and Siam University. Several students who had never been exposed to golf also joined the activities alongside their teachers.
One of the children receives their certificate for participating in the programme.
The certificate presentation ceremony was honoured by the presence of Mr. Watcharapong Pipatsuriyawong, Lopburi Provincial Education Officer; Mr. Mahitthon Suraboonjaras, Lopburi Provincial Sports and Tourism Officer; Mr. Suthin Darunyothin, Chairman of the Thailand Golf Foundation; and Dr. Thongchai Jaidee, Chairman of the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation.
Growing golf in Thailand
Jerome Ng, Director of Golf Development Asia Pacific at The R&A, said: “Thailand has a strong and growing golf industry which has already produced many champions like Thongchai Jaidee and current world number one Jeeno Thitikul. “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.”
Children who took part in the programme developed their golfing skills.
Programme beginnings
Mrs. Rae-Vadee T. Suwan, Committee Member and Secretary-General of the Thailand Golf Foundation, who played a key role in bringing this project to life, shared her perspective: “The Thailand Golf Foundation is formed through the collaboration of the Thailand Ladies Golf Association, the Thailand Golf Association, the Professional Golf Association of Thailand, the Thailand Ladies Professional Golf Association, the Thai Senior Professional Golf Association, and the Thai Golf Course Association. We have envisioned this project for the past three years. "Once we formally established the Foundation, we were delighted, as we are now the only golf foundation of this kind in the region. I approached The R&A - the global governing body for golf outside the United States, and Mexico - to present our vision for advancing golf development in Thailand. Since public funding is difficult to secure due to varying national priorities, The R&A challenged us to help create five million new golfers. "We accepted the challenge, not committing to a specific timeframe, but recognizing that the journey must begin in schools where opportunities remain limited. This is how the Community Golf Instructor Programme began.”
Leaders of the Community Golf Instructor Programme.
Mr. Suthin Darunyothin, Chairman of the Thailand Golf Foundation, added: “On behalf of the Foundation, I congratulate all participants who completed the training. 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.
"The Thongchai Jaidee Foundation has done an exemplary job. Many programmes focus on training those already familiar with the sport, but here we see children learning from the very beginning, which is truly impressive.”
Dr. Thongchai Jaidee, Chairman of the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation, remarked: “Congratulations to everyone who completed the course. We will continue to build upon the programme in alignment with its objectives, expanding opportunities especially for students in rural areas who lack access to golf.
"This initiative will not end here - we are committed to increasing the golfing population, with Thailand serving as a central development hub. I look forward to seeing this programme continue to grow. I extend my sincere thanks to all coaches and staff involved. This facility is under my responsibility, together with Dr. Namfon and our entire team, and I am truly grateful for their outstanding work.”