The Asian Tour is appalledwith the European Tour’s plans to stage a tournament in India without the sanction of the Asian Tour next February.This move is clearly unethical and against the protocol that exists within the framework of the International Federation of PGA Tours, of which both the Tours are full members.
Despite media reports and quotes attributed to the European Tour, there has been noapproach or communication to inform the Asian Tour about the event or its intentions.
Since the Asian Tour became a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours, all new events that the European Tour has been involved within Asia have been co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour.
Over the past decade, the Asian Tour has provideda strong platform for the success of India ‘s current crop of top players and the Asian Tour is fully committed to the growth of golf in India and Asia .
The Asian Tour fully respects andcooperates with the Indian Golf Union andwas happy to step in to ensure the continuance of one ofAsia’s longest standing national Opens, the Hero Honda Indian Open, in 2005 when support was required.
The Asian Tour was also fully supportive of the formation of the Professional Golf Tour of Indiaand is activelycooperating in the development of playing opportunities for Indianand the Asian Tour players.
However, with the latest developments, the Asian Tourdisagrees with the unethicalactions of the European Tour which has avoided contact with the Asian Tour whilst announcing this new event in India.
This action reflects on the European Tour’s aggressive direction without any concern for the protocol of the International Federation of PGA Tours and highlights an invasive position on Asia.
Contact:
Kyi Hla Han
Executive Chairman
Asian Tour
Chuah Choo Chiang
Media Director
Asian Tour
920 Block A
Kelana Centre Point
Jalan SS7/19, Kelana Jaya
47301 Petaling Jaya
Malaysia
T+603 7880 3714
F +603 7880 1141
E chuah@asiantour.com
W www.asiantour.com
