Players raise 2.5m Baht for flood relief in Thai Golf Charity

Chonburi: Major winners Darren Clarke and Charl Schwartzel were the main contributors in a charity auction held ahead of Asian Tour season-ending Thailand Golf Championship and attended by Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh as nearly 2.5 million Baht were raised for flood relief.

The stars on parade at Amata Spring Country Club, who among others include world number three Lee Westwood, Ryo Ishikawa, Sergio Garcia, Thongchai Jaidee, John Daly and Simon Dyson, donated personal golf items which were auctioned off during a dinner in Bangkok. Schwartzel`s autographed Masters Tournament pin flag and putter raised the highest amount of 1 million baht while Clarke`s autographed British Open pin flag went to the highest bid of 300,000 Baht. The Northern Irishman then pledged another 300,000 Baht from his foundation towards relief efforts. Daly, who crooned the crowd with an impromptu song, donated two of his signature psychedelic pants at 200,000 Baht while Thongchai`s autographed driver and caps went for 150,000 baht. Westwood`s golf shirt was auctioned at 100,000 Baht while the likes of Tommy Fleetwood, Simon Dyson, Garcia, Michael Thompson, Soren Hansen and Charley Hoffman also donated items towards the good cause. Clarke, who won his first Major title at the Open in July, said, "It`s fantastic that we`ve managed to raise a lot of money towards a worthy cause. We`re lucky to be able to play golf for a living and it is good to help whenever we can." Schwartzel was also delighted to play a part towards the charitable cause where floods had affected parts of Thailand some months ago. "Any time I can help towards a good cause, I`ll try my best to help. I gave a couple of items and I`m happy to do it," said the South African. PTI