The Asian Tour’s 2024 season teed off in Malaysia, setting the stage for what officials hope will be the biggest year yet for the tour. With six International Series events already announced, including the upcoming tournament in Oman, and the possibility of an additional stop in Africa, the 2024 season is poised to surpass the 23 events and US$35 million in prize money from 2023.
The Malaysian Open, held at the Mines Resort & Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur, offers more than just the US$1 million purse. It is also one of two events where players can earn a spot at the Open Championship.
“The strength and depth of the Asian Tour’s 2024 schedule is reflective of the phenomenal growth we have been enjoying, and we are already excited about what the new year will bring,” said Cho Minn Thant, the Tour’s commissioner and CEO, in a statement on its website.
The Hong Kong Open is set to return in November as one of 10 International Series events expected this season. Additionally, there are two stops in Macau, including a series tournament in March.
The addition of the Karen Classic in Kenya brings the total number of confirmed tournaments to 21 across 13 countries, with more expected to be added.
Players at the Malaysian Open will compete for three spots at the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, with two more up for grabs at the Korea Open in June.
Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, who secured his first major appearance by winning the World City Championship last year, is among the strong field in Kuala Lumpur this week. He is joined by Open qualifier Travis Smyth and Spaniard David Puig.
Despite a challenging debut at Royal Liverpool, where he struggled with seven bogeys in his first nine holes and a quintuple-bogey 10 on the 18th, Kho described the experience as “most valuable.”
“I wasn’t playing my best golf leading up to the tournament, and had a tough performance that week,” he said. “But just being in that atmosphere and learning from the world’s best really helped me progress as a golfer.”
The tournament features a strong field, including eight of the top 10 from last season’s order of merit, such as Miguel Tabuena, Gaganjeet Bhullar, and Hong Kong Open champion Ben Campbell.
Defending champion Trevor Simsby, who won the last time the tournament was played in 2020, and rising Thai star Denwit Boriboonsub, who ended 2023 with three wins in as many weeks, are also ones to watch.
The tournament promises exciting competition and sets the stage for a thrilling 2024 season for the Asian Tour.
(Source: SCMP | Golf Post )
