The Asian Tour

SHANGHAI, CHINA - APRIL 14: Scott Hend of Australia tees off on the par five 8th hole during the third round of the Volvo China Open at the Shanghai Silport Golf Club on April 14, 2007 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Events like the Volvo China Open have catapulted the fledging Asian Tour into the international golfing spotlight. Only formed in 2004, the Asian Tour has fast gained worldwide recognition for its competitive events and strong player line-ups.

Featuring 27 events, the tour criss-crosses Asia with a total prize purse of over US$27 million. The tour was primarily seen as a method to allow Asian players to gain big event experience and to allow for the development of golf in Asia.

The co-sanctioning of events by the European Tour has seen the Asian Tour gain more prominence amongst the golfing fraternity. Events like the Jonnie Walker Classic, the Volvo China Open and HSBC Champions offer big prize money and feature some of the world’s best golfers. Paul Casey, the European Ryder Cup player, is among the previous Volvo China Open winners.

The top 5 on the Asian Tour Order of Merit list are

  • Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand)
  • Jvoti Randhawaa (India)
  • Thaworn Wiratchan (Thailand)
  • Prayad Marksaeng (Thailand)
  • Simon Yates, who is the only European player

The Omega China Tour is a development tour that is aimed at encouraging grassroots developments in golf in China and serves as a springboard to the Asian Tour.

As golf courses are relatively new in Asia, they all offer unique challenges. The Beijing CBD International Golf Club is a classic example of a brand new course that is revolutionising Asian golf.

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