Asian Tour would have ‘disappeared’ in a merger with golf’s European Tour

The Asian Tour saved itself from disappearing altogether by rejecting a full merger with the European Tour, said interim commissioner Kyi Hla Han, with the circuit now focusing on strengthening its identity and providing more opportunities for its players.

Han said a “strategic alliance” with the European Tour means Asian Tour players can enjoy privileges on a fully fledged circuit while rising golfers can use the Asian Development Tour – which he said would have become obsolete had the merger gone through – as a stepping stone.

“The aim was to keep the independent identity of the Asian Tour going,” said Han, whose organisation faced opposition from players – particularly Thai members – during protracted talks with the European Tour.

“We have to give opportunities to young players to keep playing so they can develop their games.

“At the time, it looked like the Asian Tour would disappear, so there were a lot of reservations from most of our players.

“It was going to be that there would be no Asian Tour and no European Tour … a new brand. There would not have been any security for Asian players to keep their status.”

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