Singapore deal may lire HK to new Tour
HONG KONG could follow in Singapore's footsteps and become part of the recently-launched Asian Professional Golfers' Association Tour - if the price is right.
Hugh Staunton, the president of the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA), did not rule out the possibility of the territory's oldest professional event, the Hong Kong Open, leaving the Asian Tour and joining the Omega-sponsored Asian PGA Tour when asked yesterday.
Singapore, which was part of the Australasian Tour, announced on Monday that it would become the first national Open to join the fledgling Asian PGA Tour, set up earlier this year to promote golf amongst Asian professionals.
However, Singapore's move was strongly criticised by Brian Allan, chief executive of the Australasian Tour, who, according to an AAP report, claimed that the tournament was 'bought'.
Staunton said: 'I would not rule out anything. Hong Kong has been with the Asian Tour since the Asian Tour started, but the big issue these days is money.
'If the price is right and attractive, I think we should at least listen to any offers.
'I have heard about Singapore, but I don't know the details. It would be interesting to see what they were offered.' For Asian PGA officials, it was the breakthrough they were looking for with a national open giving the Tour more credence as a viable stage for Asian professionals.
'We are delighted that an event which has a great history as the Singapore Open has chosen to join the Omega Tour in only its first year,' said Seamus O'Brien, chairman of the Asian PGA. 'We think it endorses the fact that the Asian PGA provides the best direction for the future of professional golf in Asia.' Allan, however, was reported to have said that the Asian PGA 'bought' the Singapore Open. 'The Singapore Open, which has been part of our Tour for three years, has been bought by the APGA,' Allan was reported to have said. 'I know exactly what they got and we can't combat that.
'We are not in the business of buying property. We don't operate that way.' It was reported that the APGA offered the Singapore Open US$750,000, which encompasses prize money, sanctioning fees and appearance money. Allan said the APGA Tour is being run by a sports marketing and promotion company and he questioned whether it was acting in the best interests of Asian players.
The Hong Kong event, one of the jewels in the Asian Tour calendar, could certainly benefit from a US$750,000 deal, having lived a hand-to-mouth existence over the last few years. The tournament failed to lure a title sponsor for this week's event at Fanling, although promoters Spectrum are believed to have raised the US$300,000 prize money from several subsidiary sponsors.
It is also the final year of Spectrum's contract with the HKGA. John Benda, executive director of the Asian Tour, admitted he was surprised by Singapore's decision and he hopes to have further discussions with Hong Kong officials this week. The Hong Kong Open is yet to be finalised on next year's Asian Tour schedule. 'I was surprised at Singapore's decision and I think a lot of people will be a little disappointed,' said Benda. 'I don't know how it will affect Hong Kong.
I will be talking to Hong Kong officials this week.' Meanwhile, Thai star Boonchu Ruangkit has pulled out of the Hong Kong Open. According to organisers, Ruangkit had sent in an official entry two weeks ago, but had suddenly cancelled. There were no immediate reasons for his withdrawal.
Yesterday's pro-am competition saw the top players in action for the first time and in a relaxed mood. Scotsman Sam Torrance shot a 69 on the New Course while American Payne Stewart, playing Fanling for the first time since 1981, shot 71 on the Eden Course.
Hong Kong's Derek Fung had a fine round, shooting 67 on the Eden course, while the best score of the day went to India's Jeev Singh, who scored 65 on the Eden Course. Organisers were last night hoping that the weather will improve after it started to rain in the late afternoon.
