By Rahul Banerji
A chunky Indian contingent will tee off at the inaugural International Series England, the first-ever Asian Tour event to be played in the UK, from June 2 to 5.
The $2 million tournament, part of the newly-introduced set of events that expands the Asian Tour’s horizons, will be staged at Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, just outside Newcastle.
The first leg of the LIV Golf-backed International Series was held at Hua Hin in Thailand this March.
Jeev Milkha Singh, playing on a tournament invitation, heads a 17-strong Indian contingent for the event that has also attracted major winners Graeme McDowell and Michael Campbell.
Payback
For the Asian Tour, long under pressure from the European (now DP World) Tour that has long edged eastwards, it is a chance or a little payback.
“We are on the threshold of a new era for Asian golf,” said Cho Minn Thant, commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour back in February at the launch of the series.
“The International Series is a new upper-tier of elite events, the likes of which the region has not seen before, that will mark the start of a phenomenal period of growth for the Asian Tour,” he added.
It’s a contention supported by India’s most successful Asian Tour player, Gaganjeet Bhullar.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the Asian Tour players,” the nine-time winner told asiantour.com.
“As you know, in the past we have played in Switzerland, but I think playing in the UK will be a great experience.
Showing the flag
“I’ve played a lot of golf on the European Tour in the UK, but, you know, playing on the Asian Tour and representing our Tour flag on the UK soil, I think that’ll be great.
“And it’ll be a great boost for all the youngsters, all the people who are getting ready to move on to the next level.”
In the past, the Asian Tour has ventured as far as Switzerland for the Omega European Masters, when it was jointly sanctioned with Europe.
The Newcastle event, however, is the first full-field Asian Tour event in Europe.
The event has attracted 51 Tour winners and one of the newest winners is Nitithorn Thippong of Thailand, who claimed the DGC Open in March.
“It’s amazing, the Asian Tour is going to have an event in England,” said 25 year old Tour rookie on asiantour.com.
“I think it is great that we are playing in UK. The DP World Tour are playing on different continents including Asia, so it is great that Asian Tour are able to host in UK.
“When I heard the rumours about the International Series going to UK I got real excited.”
Indians at Slaley Hall
Jeev Milkha Singh, Shiv Kapur, Jyoti Randhawa, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Rahil Ganjee, Ajeetesh Sandhu, Rashid Khan Chikkarangappa S., Viraj Madappa, Aman Raj, S.S.P. Chawrasia, Veer Ahlawat, Honey Baisoya, Udayan Mane, Khalin Joshi, Aadil Bedi and Karandeep Kochhar.
Live on TV in India on D Sports
June 2: 7 pm to 9.30 pm (Day 1 live)
June 3: 7 pm to 9.30 pm (Day 2 live)
June 4: 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm (Day 3 live)
June 5: 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm (Day 4 live)
Also read: Asian Tour gets bigger with International Series, larger payouts
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