The 7,470-yard Amata Spring Country Club layout has been set significantly tougher for the third edition to the Royal Trophy. The greens will be faster, the fairways narrower and the course will be playing at its maximum length from the very back tees on every single hole. In addition, the eight European and Asian players representing their respective Continents will also have to navigate the exclusive Club’s new floating green set at the 145-yard par three hole number eight.

“We expect that the players will find a challenging golf course. Amata Spring’s team have devoted a monumental effort to have the golf course in the very best condition possible for these great players and the layout looks immaculate right now. It is a ‘dream golf course’ to play at the moment. Over the next days only the European and Asian Team members will be practicing at the layout in order to retain this very best condition;” said Royal Trophy spokesperson Lincoln Venancio.

“It is not only the golf course. Amata Spring is ready for this major event from every aspect. The VIP Champions Club will provide possibly the most luxurious environment for enjoying a professional golf event anywhere in Asia. The Club House is being set-up beautifully and the practice facilities for the players are truly world-class. From the driving range, the practice green and the short game practice area, the venue is set at a truly world-class standard.

Fans attending the Royal Trophy will have the opportunity to watch the players the tackle the brand-new floating green, one of only two in the world. Measuring a total of 1,026 square meters, the new green is three hundred square meters larger than the previous one which was retired over this past weekend. The players will now have to deal not only with the challenges of the constant cross winds and the fairly small landing area but also two bunkers, five palm trees and an area of rough which are all part of this extraordinary green target set in the middle of one of Amata Spring’s two massive lakes.

Another new challenge the Asians and Europeans will have to cope with is the ‘native vegetation areas’ which severely punishes shots off the fairway and give the course a ‘links’ look and feel.

“The stage is set for the Royal Trophy. We commend Amata Spring on doing such a good job at getting the facilities in such outstanding conditions. I am sure that the Captains, players and the spectators will truly enjoy watching the highly competitive action being played at such a fantastic venue;” added Venancio.

The Royal Trophy will be played on January 9-11 with four foursomes matches played on Friday, four four-ball matches on Saturday and the eight singles bringing the Event to conclusion on Sunday. The winning Continent will gain stewardship of the sixteen-kilogram solid-silver Trophy graciously donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand.