Boonchu Ruangkit has been named the first honorary life member of the Asian Professional Golfers' Association.
The Thai veteran received a rousing ovation as he accepted the accolade at the Asian PGA's season-ending gala dinner.
'This is a great honour for me,' said 42-year-old Boonchu, who struck the first shot in the first Asian PGA event in 1995. Since then he has won four titles and is the Tour's leading money winner with earnings of more than US$400,000.
In making the presentation, Seamus O'Brien, chairman of Asian PGA Tour Ltd, described Boonchu as a role model for Asian golfers.
In addition to Boonchu, other players who were honoured at the ceremony were South Korean Kang Wook-soon, Ed Fryatt and Chris Williams. With his back-to-back victories in the Perrier Hong Kong Open and Omega PGA Championship, Kang clinched his second Omega Order of Merit title.
ROLL OF HONOUR Omega Order of Merit champion: Kang Wook-soon (South Korea). Wilson Player's Player of the Year: Chris Williams (England). Jaguar Rookie of the Year: Ed Fryatt (England). Ericsson Best Stroke Average: Ed Fryatt (England). Cathay Pacific Host Venue of the Year: The Mines Resort (Malaysia).