Who Is Cho Minn Thant?

Find out more about the Asian Tour's CEO and Commissioner, Cho Minn Thant, here

Thant and Norman at a press conference
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Asian Tour recently unveiled details of 'The International Series' for 2022/23, which features 10 tournaments across Asia and Europe. Working with LIV Golf Investments, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund-backed company is headed by Greg Norman. It brings an exciting time for the Asian Tour, with their CEO, Cho Minn Thant, describing the move as a "new era for Asian golf".

Joining the Asian Tour in 2007, Cho has held numerous positions within the organisation before assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer in October 2016. Three years later, he would be promoted to CEO.

Working closely with the Chairman and Board of Directors, Cho is in charge of leading the strategic direction of the Asian Tour, with his primary responsibilities, since 2019, being the tournament schedule, commercial development and overall management of International Federation matters.

Norman, Kim and Cho pose for a photo

Cho Minn Thant, Kim Joo-hyung and Greg Norman pose for a photo during a practice round prior to the PIF Saudi International

(Image credit: Getty Images)

And now, after the recent announcement of 'The International Series', it seems that the Tour is stepping in the right direction, with a $300 million investment and a 10-year alliance securing a strong-looking future.

“We are on the threshold of a new era for Asian golf,” says Cho. “The International Series is a new upper-tier of elite events, the likes of which the region has not seen before, that will mark the start of a phenomenal period of growth for the Asian Tour. 

“Importantly, The International Series will add to the Asian Tour’s backbone of established events to comprise a 25-event season, expected to represent a record-breaking combined prize-fund. Each of the 10 events will be broadcast live across the globe, with plans to attract an international field of headline talent.”

The Thailand Open 2017

Cho Minn Thant at the 2017 Thailand Open

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It hasn't been plain-sailing for the Asian Tour and Cho. Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, the circuit suspended all tournaments for 18 months and only completed its 2020 season at the beginning of 2022. As a result, it is still yet to publish its full 2022 schedule owing to uncertainty over when countries will ease entry restrictions.

“As a business it was very frustrating. We were just burning through our reserves,” says Cho. “I wouldn’t say it was dire but we weren’t in a great financial position.”

However, with the Tour getting back on its feet, Cho says he is focused on growing the game in his continent: “I think we’ll just try to build the level of golf in Asia,” he concludes. “We want to bring high level golf to Asia more often, and it may not be every single week like it is on the PGA Tour, but on a few occasions a year we’d like to see that.”

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x