Asian Tour members are now offered “life-changing opportunity” through new LIV Golf Promotions event.
The LIV Golf Promotions event has been launched recently, with the Asian Tour website describing it as another breakthrough moment for golf in the region.
Asian Tour commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant said it is “an incredible, life-changing opportunity.”
The innovative and inclusive new event was unveiled Tuesday, and will be staged at the celebrated Abu Dhabi Golf Club from 8 to 10 December.
The top-three finishers will make it through to next season’s multi-million-dollar circuit via the Tour’s International Series in Abu Dhabi.
Top 25 available players from the International Series Order of Merit will be eligible to play in Round 1 along with tournament winners the past season. Then top two to eight in OOM get to compete in Round 2.
It’s a big opportunity for Filipino golfers who are competing in the Asian Tour.
They include Miguel Tabuena, who is presently No. 2 in the OOM; as well as Angelo Que, Justin Quiban and Lloyd Go.
The four Filipinos are vying for the $1.5-million Volvo China Open starting Thursday at the Hidden Grace Golf Club.
“It’s a pathway to golf’s most lucrative series, and an incredible chance for Asian Tour members, offering a life-changing opportunity,” Cho said.
“With so much at stake, I’m sure this event will capture the attention of all eligible players as well as golf fans around the region and beyond.”
The International Series — 10 elite-level tournaments integrated into the Asian Tour schedule with its own OOM — starts its homeward stretch of three successive events next week, with the Volvo China Open followed by the Hong Kong Open and the BNI Indonesian Masters presented by TNE.
American Andy Ogletree is poised to win The International Series OOM, helped by two International Series victories in England and Qatar this year.
He can most likely secure the automatic berth in the 2024 LIV Golf League.
But there will be competition for places in the LIV Golf Promotions event, which will tee off just over two weeks after Indonesia.
Added Cho: “We were already expecting a gripping end to the season before yesterday’s news, but the LIV Golf Promotions event will now bring added drama — particularly as it is being held on our continent.”
“Christmas will come early to the three successful graduates. Judging by the performances of our members this year we know they will have an excellent chance to earn one of those ‘gold tickets’ and join The International Series Order of Merit winner on next year’s LIV Golf League, along with Scott Vincent — who did so well to this year to keep his playing privileges.”
Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, who first made his name on the Asian Tour and claimed last year’s inaugural International Series OOM, finished this season 22nd in the LIV Golf League Individual Rankings to lock in a spot for 2024.
The LIV Golf Promotions event tournament will see four rounds of golf played over three days, with 36-holes on the final day, and offer an overall prize money of $1.5 million.
Highlighting the global aspect of the LIV Golf League, leading players from all over the world will be eligible to participate.
Through its broad entry criteria, recent winners of Majors plus PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour and DP World Tour events will be welcome to compete alongside Ryder Cup stars, and players from the top of The Universal Golf Rankings.
The field will also include the leading golfers from the rankings on the Japan Golf Tour, Korean PGA Tour, Sunshine Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia alongside extensive categories for the game’s elite amateurs.
Players in the Drop Zone from the recently completed 2023 LIV Golf League Individual Standings will also have another chance to return to the circuit.
Starting Friday, 8 December, those who finish in the top-20 and ties from round one will advance to Saturday’s round two, where scores will reset, and the field will be joined by a category of players who automatically qualified for day two of competition.
The top 20 players and ties following round two will advance to the final day of competition, where scores will reset once more for an intense full-day, 36-hole shootout.
At Sunday’s conclusion, the top three finishers will receive highly coveted and lucrative spots on the LIV Golf League for 2024.
The top three finishers will also earn prize money of US$200,000, US$150,000 and US$100,000 respectively.
Players finishing fourth to 10th will receive full exemption for all 2024 events on The International Series.