Southeast Asia tour enjoys expansion, more prize money

Friday, 25 March 2011 02:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

(Reuters) - An increase in both prize money and events represents a major growth in the development of the ASEAN PGA Tour, the executive chairman of the Southeast Asian regional circuit said on Thursday.

The tour, entering its fifth season in May, will add six new tournaments to its schedule - four in Indonesia and two in Malaysia - and boost its overall winnings to $685,000, an increase of more than $100,000 on the previous year.

"Since launching the ASEAN PGA in September 2007, we have been in the fortunate position to announce a strong schedule each year," tour executive chairman A.C. Wong said in a statement.

"The arrival of six new tournaments this year is a reflection of the interest and confidence that exists in the ASEAN PGA," he said, adding that the expansion of the tour will benefit young professional golfers in Southeast Asia.

The top seven players on the nine-event circuit will qualify for November's lucrative Singapore Open, co-sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours, while the top 10 on the Order of Merit will be eligible to join the OneAsia Tour.

Two of the new Indonesian tournaments will be held on the scenic islands of Bali and Lombok, while the venues for the other four have yet to be confirmed.