It has been called the Grand Finale, a Summit of the Stars and, more simply, the Tour Championship but whatever way you describe it the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia is the one that every player on the Asian Tour wants to win.
It’s the final event of the year and only the top 60 players on the UBS Order of Merit can tee it up. And the victor can rightly call himself first amongst equals.
The UBS Order of Merit race also concludes at the Volvo Masters of Asia giving the tournament added value and standing.
To further reflect the prestige and importance of the Tour Championship, Volvo have upped the prize money to 700,000 US dollars, an increase of 100,000 US dollars from last year.
The Volvo Masters of Asia will be staged at the magnificent Thai Country Club on the outskirts of Bangkok from December 14-17.
Mel Pyatt, President and Chief Executive Officer, Volvo Event Management, outlined the company’s vision for Asian golf in general and the Volvo Masters of Asian in particular at a press conference in Bangkok.
Louis Martin, the chief executive of the Asian Tour, heaped praise on Volvo for their foresight in becoming the first major sponsor of golf in Asia back in the early 1990s and staying loyal during economic bad times.
Jean-Pierre Schneider the General Manager of Thai Country Club said that the course set up would be more difficult than a year ago when Shiv Kapur of India won with a score of 20 under par. The second hole will be lengthened by 40 yards, the fairways narrowed, rough grown and the greens speeded up. All to make it a true test for Asia’s finest.
He also said that the practice and clubhouse facilities were being upgraded as part of a million dollar makeover.
The good news for golf fans is that once again entry to the Volvo Masters of Asia will be free.
Friday, 26 May 2006
