Asian Tour Yearbook - 2022

Asian Tour 2022: Back in the swing R echarged, refreshed and revitalised, the Asian Tour emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic with flying colours in its first full season back in action. The fact that 20 tournaments across 12 countries, offering total prize-money of US$25 million, took place over a 10-month period was a tribute to the behind-the-scenes work of Cho Minn Thant, the Asian Tour’s Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, and his dedicated backroom team. Thrilled to be able to travel and compete once more, Asian Tour members responded to the playing opportunities afforded them by delivering high-quality golf and memorable moments aplenty. While the launching of the International Series, thanks to a new partnership with LIV Golf, heralded the dawning of a new and exciting era for the Asian Tour, there were other innovative developments which resonated across the golfing world. In partnership with the Ladies European Tour, the Asian Tour co- sanctioned two mixed events in April, featuring leading players from both circuits. Adding to the innovation, the second of the Trust Golf-sponsored tournaments used a modified Stableford points system, a fresh format for professional golf in the region which was welcomed by players, enjoying a break from the standard 72-hole stroke play events. The 2022 season was also notable for the expansion of the Asian Tour’s footprint with events being staged in England, Egypt and Morocco for the first time, all part of the International Series. Other countries to host the Asian Tour on one occasion each were 1 1 The Asian Tour crowned 17 winners from eight countries with the triumvirate of Chan Shih-chang, Sihwan Kim and Nitithorn Thippong posting two wins each. Sihwan Kim (LEFT) was also voted Player’s Player of the Year in 2022. Kim and Scott Vincent receive their Merit awards from Cho Minn Thant (RIGHT).