Golf enthusiasts have another red-letter day to add to their calendar – the first Asian Amateur Championship from October 29 to November 1 at Shenzhen’s Mission Hills Golf Club.
The event is a new partnership between the Masters Tournament and R&A (organiser of the British Open), which are underwriting the activities. Said Tommy Lee, chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC): “This initiative will help bring the game to new audiences in Asia-Pacific and will give aspiring amateur Asian golfers a special opportunity in the game.”
The winner is set to compete in a newly created spot in golf’s two influential majors – the 2010 Masters Tournament and the qualifying finals of the British Open.“We do feel the main potential for growth is in Asia,” said Peter Dawson, chief executive of R&A. “America and the UK have plateaued. Growth in the game lies in these other territories. “Our fields from the majors now are coming from a wide range of countries. I believe it’s wise for majors to reinvest in these countries.”
Added Bill Payne, chairman of the Masters: “The place we could impact most is Asia. If we could create good golfers and create heroes who would be emulated by other kids, in the process they would be attracted to the game.”
The Asian Amateur Championship will have a 120-man field, using the World Amateur Golf Ranking, with at least two players coming from each country that makes up the APGC.
The APGC represents 32 national golf associations throughout Asia-Pacific. In the future, the new Asian golf tournament will be held in various countries affiliated with APGC. The 2010 event is scheduled to be played in Japan.
For more details, visit http://www.asianamateurchampionship.com/.
Gigi Onag
