New Asian Tour Flagship Event Announced

The Ho Tram Players Championship in Vietnam offers increased world ranking points and becomes the new Asian Tour flagship event

New Asian Tour Flagship Event Announced

The Asian Tour has unveiled a new flagship event, the Ho Tram Players Championship, which will take place from the 13th-16th April 2017 at The Bluffs, Ho Tram Strip.

The course opened in October 2014 and was designed by Greg Norman. It was recognised as ‘The World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the 2015 World Golf Awards.

The inaugural Ho Tram Open in December was won by Sergio Garcia in a play-off at The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip.

The event was The Asian Tour’s 2015 Event of the Year, which set the foundation for the launch of the Tour’s new flagship event, the Ho Tram Players Championship.

“The Players’ Championship will be the highlight of the Asian Tour year and we could not think of a more deserving venue and event than Ho Tram” commented Kyi Hla Han, Commissioner Asian Tour.

“The inaugural year not only put Ho Tram on the map, but has reinforced Vietnam’s position as a growing force in the world of golf and sports.”

Ho Tram will host some of the best golfers in the world including defending Champion Sergio Garcia who will return to defend his title next April, the week after The Masters. The US $1.2 million showpiece will become the richest prize purse for a full-field Asian Tour event and also receive an increase in world ranking points given its increased ‘flagship’ status.

Michael E Kelly, Executive Chairman of Asian Coast Development Ltd said, “An event of this stature will afford us the opportunity to evolve the Ho Tram Strip’s appeal as a luxury destination and grow Vietnam’s status as a major player in global golf and tourism.”

“I made no secret about how impressed I was with Ho Tram and The Bluffs and the response I have had around the world about how spectacular the championship looked has been extraordinary,” commented defending Champion Sergio Garcia.

“For the event to be announced as The Players Championship is a huge step and I think everyone involved should be particularly proud of getting the event to such status in such a short space of time.”

The Ho Tram Players Championship will be broadcast around the world in over 180 countries, reaching over 740 million households, making it one of the most watched sporting events in Vietnam’s history.

Ben Styles, Vice-President of Golf & Residential Development for The Ho Tram Strip said, “This is yet another milestone in Ho Tram and Vietnam’s history. To host such a prestigious Championship will certainly add more interest for Vietnam, increasing global viewing figures as well as giving our top Vietnamese amateurs the opportunity to compete against the world’s best.”

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