Royal Trophy to return in January

The Royal Trophy is set to return for its third edition in Thailand in January, a year after the match-play event between Asia and Europe was postponed following the death of the sister of the King of Thailand.

The annual event will take place once again at Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok with Europe seeking a third consecutive win following victories in the inaugural event in 2006 and again in 2007.

Each team features eight players from Asia and Europe led by non-playing captains, who compete in 16 matches for the trophy, which was donated by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The competition will feature four foursomes matches on January 9, four fourball matches on January 10 and eight singles matches on January 11.

“The Royal Trophy will give us the opportunity to showcase Asia’s growing strength against Europe,” said Asian Tour executive chairman Kyi Hla Han

“The standard of golf in Asia is on the rise and we are confident of putting up a strong challenge for The Royal Trophy next year.”

Added Keith Waters, the European Tour’s director of international policy: “We look forward to the return of The Royal Trophy following last year’s postponement and I’m sure it will be as keenly contested, and played in the same spirit, as the first two.

“Our thanks go to Seve (Ballesteros) who was instrumental in launching the Royal Trophy in 2006. Everyone connected with the event will be thinking of him during this year’s contest.”

The third edition was to have been played early this year but was postponed when Thailand entered a period of mourning following the passing of Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of the king.