Asian Tour objects European Tour event in India

New Delhi, June 11 (UNI) Calling it ''unethical and against the protocol'', the Asian Tour has objected to European Tour's plans to stage a golf tournament in India next February without its sanction.

'Golf in Dubai' announced, earlier in the day, the holding of the inaugural Indian Masters from February 7-10 next year at a venue to be announced later with 2.5 million dollar prize money on offer, which will make the event the richest in India.

''The Asian Tour is appalled with the European Tour's plans to stage a tournament in India without the sanction of the Asian Tour next February.

''This move is clearly unethical and against the protocol that exists within the framework of the International Federation of PGA Tours, of which both the Tours are full members,'' an Asian Tour statement said.

It asserted that despite media reports and quotes attributed to the European Tour, there had not been any approach or communication to inform the Asian Tour about the event or its intentions.

''The action reflected on the European Tour's aggressive direction without any concern for the protocol of the International Federation of PGA Tours and highlights an invasive position on Asia,'' the statement added.

''Since the Asian Tour became a member of International Federation of PGA Tours, all new events that the European Tour has been involved within Asia have been co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour.

''The Asian Tour fully respects and cooperates with the Indian Golf Union and was happy to step in to ensure the continuance of one of Asia's longest standing national Opens, the Hero Honda Indian Open, in 2005 when support was required.

''The Asian Tour was also fully supportive of the formation of the Professional Golf Tour of India and is actively cooperating in the development of playing opportunities for Indian and the Asian Tour players.

''However, with the latest developments, the Asian Tour disagrees with the unethical actions of the European Tour which has avoided contact with the Asian Tour whilst announcing this new event in India,'' the statement issued in the name of Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman Asian Tour, said.

UNI