Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland, September 5: The Asian Tour will jointly sanction the Omega European Masters in 2009 with the European Tour, officials said in a landmark announcement today.
The prestigious event, staged annually at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Switzerland, will be the first ever tournament on European soil to be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
Omega, whose extensive participation in the world of global sports includes its role as Official Timekeeper at 23 Olympic Games, became the title sponsor of the tournament in 2001 following a decade-long partnership with the European Masters.
Stephen Urquhart, president of OMEGA, is particularly looking forward to this year’s tournament, saying: “At OMEGA, we are excited about the emergence of golf as a truly global sport. We commend both the Asian and European Tours for following up on our initiative and implementing our proposal that the two tours join forces.”
OMEGA, as title sponsor of the China Tour and the Mission Hills World Cup of Golf, has long been a major presence in Asian golf . Urquhart knows that the participation by some of Asia’s leading players in the European Masters will add a special element to the competition.
“While this co-sanctioned tournament is important to OMEGA,” he added, “it has even greater significance for the world of golf. As the sport becomes increasingly popular in Asia, it’s the perfect time to be introducing the golfers playing there to the international stage.”
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han hailed the groundbreaking announcement, saying it was a wonderful reflection of the growth of the Asian Tour which will stage a record 30 tournaments with nearly US$39 million in prize money this season.
Han expressed his appreciation to Omega and The European Tour for extending the invitation to the Asian Tour to be a part of the event.
“It is a terrific milestone for the Asian Tour,” said Han, who is attending this week’s Omega European Masters which started on Thursday.
“Since 1999, the Asian Tour has worked closely with the European Tour through a successful co-sanction programme in Asia and our talented players have taken the opportunity to broaden their playing careers.
“With the Asian Tour scheduled to visit Europe for the first time in 2009, I believe it will pave the way for our Tour and playing members to enjoy greater achievements.
“Omega helped shape the growth of professional golf in Asia during the 1990s when it title sponsored the Asian Tour and is currently involved with great events including the Omega Mission Hills World Cup. We truly value Omega’s support.”
Keith Waters, The European Tour’s Director of International Policy, said: “The Asian Tour and its Members have made a significant contribution to the development of the European Tour International Schedule over the last decade. The leading Asian Tour players have added to the quality, style and diversity of The European Tour.
“It is timely and appropriate for The European Tour to support to Omega’s request to co-sanction this historic event. This arrangement extends Omega’s support of golf and The European Tour both in Europe and Asia. This event will create more opportunity for Asian Tour Members to develop their careers on the international stage and play the picturesque venue of Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.”
As a prelude to next year’s event, Omega invited several Asian Tour members to compete in this week’s Omega European Masters, which is offering a ?2 million prize fund.
India’s Gaurav Ghei and Digvijay Singh, Chinese duo Zhang Lian-wei and Li Chao, England’s Simon Griffiths and Australian Kane Webber will join the likes of Indian duo Jeev Milkha Singh and S.S.P. Chowrasia of India, New Zealand’s Mark Brown, Singaporean Mardan Mamat and Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat and Thongchai Jaidee who are in this week’s field through their playing rights in Europe.
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About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation ofPGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Carlsberg (Official Beer), ESPN Star Sports (Official Regional TV Broadcaster), Pin High (Official Apparel Partner), Sofitel (Official Hotel), TIME and FORTUNE (Corporate Partner) and Srixon (Official Ball). Sentosa, Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, is the Home of the Asian Tour.
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