Omega European Masters 2009 To Be Co-Sanctioned By Asian Tour

Following the recommendation of Swiss watch brand Omega, the European Tour and the Asian Tour have forged an agreement which brings the two golf organizations together.  Thus, in 2009, the Omega European Masters held at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Switzerland will make history as the first European golf tournament to receive co-sanctioning by the Asian tour.  Of the 156 players to be featured in 2009's tournament, 30 will hail from the Asian tour.  

Expressing his pride in Omega's role in the historic agreement, Stephen Urquhart, President of Omega stated:  “At Omega, we are excited about the emergence of golf as a truly global sport.  We commend both the Asian and European Tours for following up on our initiative and implementing our proposal that the two tours join forces.?

Equally enthusiastic is Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour, who considers Omega's invitation to be telling recognition of the Asian Tour's significance.  This season alone, the Asian Tour will feature 30 tournaments with up to USD $39 million in prize money up for grabs.

“It is a terrific milestone for the Asian Tour", Han said.  "Since 1999, the Asian Tour has worked closely with The European Tour through a successful co-sanction program in Asia and our talented players have taken the opportunity to broaden their playing careers.

With the Asian Tour scheduled to visit Europe for the first time in 2009, I believe it will pave the way for our Tour and playing members to enjoy greater achievements."

Regarding the auspicious timing of the agreement, Keith Waters, The European Tour’s Director of International Policy stated: “The Asian Tour and its Members have made a significant contribution to the development of the European Tour International Schedule over the last decade.  It is timely and appropriate for The European Tour to support Omega’s request to co-sanction this historic event.

"This arrangement extends Omega’s support of golf and The European Tour both in Europe and Asia.  This event will create more opportunity for Asian Tour Members to develop their careers on the international stage and play the picturesque venue of Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.?

Omega, famed as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932, has long provided support for Asian golf.  Among other events, the Swiss watch brand serves as title sponsor for the China Tour and such notable events as the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.