Let’s briefly discuss this Thailand Golf Championship photo

It’s a rite of passage for a pro golfer when they get into the upper echelon of the Official World Golf Ranking: They earn invites to far away events for large appearance fees in the sport’s faux off-season. And, with that appearance fee often larger than the tournament’s first-place prize – a lot larger – they’re not only contractually obligated to play in the tournament but also to appear in awkward promotional photos.

Here’s a great example.

@ThaiGolfChamps Rd 1 Tee times are now up on http://t.co/IHTpuTc0EN Which is your favourite group? pic.twitter.com/1xZhIyIoVm

— The Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) December 9, 2014

Bubba Watson, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Victor Dubuisson and Martin Kaymer flew into Thailand this week to play in the Asian Tour’s Thailand Golf Championship. On Tuesday, they donned traditional Thai clothes and posed for a picture with Thongchai Jaidee, active Thai golf legend. At least the fellas are having fun with it.

The purse for the event is $ 1 million. Segrio Garcia pocketed $ 180,000 for winning last year’s event. However, total appearance fees in the past have reportedly topped $ 4 million, making showing up potentially a lot more lucrative than winning. (Tiger Woods has commanded more than $ 3 million just for showing up to play in certain overseas tournaments.)

For however uncomfortable the players look in the picture, they’re going to feel more anxiety on the course, playing the true island-green, par-3 17th at host course Amata Spring Country Club.

What a golf hole..! #17 @ThaiGolfChamps pic.twitter.com/hKZjDDycnA

— BRYCE EASTON (@Bryce_Easton) December 9, 2014

Golfers access the hole by boat – duh! – but here’s the interesting part: The green is attached to a series of pulleys that can move the island, meaning the yardage can actually change. Groovy, especially if you’re walking to the tee box with a check already in hand.

Via Eye on Golf

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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