Han hails WGC’s move into Asia
Kyi Hla Hanhe says WGC’s move into Asia is further proof that the region has arrived on golf’s global stage.
Asia’s first staging of a World Golf Championship (WGC) event is another sign that the region has arrived on the global stage, Asian Tour chief Kyi Hla Han said today (Tuesday) .
This week’s WGC-HSBC Champions will take its place as the most lucrative tournament ever staged in Asia and will boast a stellar field which includes world’s two highest-ranked golfers, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson and Spanish star Sergio Garcia, the defending champion.
Two of Asia’s top stars, Jeev Milkha Singh of India and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand will spearhead the region’s chase for glory at Shanghai’s Sheshan International Golf Club starting on Thursday.
“The elevation in stature of the HSBC Champions is a wonderful recognition for the game in Asia as we have come a very long way in producing great events and also great champions,” said Han.
“The Asian Tour would like to thank HSBC for its outstanding support towards professional golf.”
Han added that the increase in the prize fund to US$7 million this week was a highly positive development for the golf industry.
“It shows that sponsorship is very healthy despite the challenging times that we’ve faced with the economy over the past 18 months. This will generate a lot of confidence going into 2010 and beyond and it is a very positive development for the golf industry, including the Asian Tour,” he said.
Han believes that Asia’s top stars will relish the opportunity of challenging the world’s best players and believes that YE Yang’s triumph at the PGA Championship, where he beat Woods to become Asia’s first Major champion, has taken down all barriers that previously prevented Asians from thinking they could win on golf’s biggest stage.
“The opportunity to play against an international field in Shanghai will greatly enhance our players’ chances,” Han continued..
“I believe this significant development will have a huge and positive impact for the game here as sponsors now clearly recognise the value of professional golf in Asia and the Asian Tour,” he concluded.
Latest
-
NewsSteve Stricker makes Padraig Harrington sweat as Irishman wins US Senior Open
The pair were rival captains in last year’s Ryder Cup in Wisconsin.
-
NewsGolfers warned of further sanctions if they continue to play in LIV breakaway
The DP World Tour has issued fines of £100,000 and tournament bans to its members who played in the inaugural LIV Golf event earlier this month
-
European TourDP World Tour hits members who played inaugural LIV series with £100,000 fines
They have also been banned from several forthcoming tournaments including the Scottish Open.
-
NewsRory McIlroy not impressed as Brooks Koepka becomes latest big name to join LIV
The world number two labelled the players who have joined the new series as “duplicitous” for the way they have handled their breakaway.
-
The OpenR&A confirms LIV Golf Series players will be allowed to compete at Open
The 150th Open Championship will get underway at St Andrews in three weeks’ time.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick turns to other major winners for advice on dealing with fame
Fitzpatrick won the US Open on Sunday.
-
NewsBrooks Koepka set to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series
Koepka’s brother Chase played in the opening event at Centurion Club earlier this month.
-
US OpenGary Player urges Matt Fitzpatrick to avoid ‘poison’ of modern-day coaching
Player tells US Open champion Fitzpatrick to learn from mistakes of recent major winners, saying: “The teaching today is the worst it has ever been.”
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick’s caddie Billy Foster ready for ‘long party’ after US Open win
Foster won his first major after a 40-year career which includes spells working for the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick backed to become a dominant force after winning first major
The Englishman claimed his first major title at Brookline.