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
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.