The Asian Tour has unveiled a new flagship event, the Ho Tram Players Championship which will take place 13 – 16 April 2017 at The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, marking an historic occasion for the Tour, its members and the nation of Vietnam.
The inaugural Ho Tram Open set a new standard in golf and entertainment last December, with Sergio Garcia triumphing on the course at the end of a week filled with world-class entertainment. The event was ultimately recognised as The Asian Tour’s 2015 Event of the Year, and set the foundation for the launch of the Tour’s new flagship event, the Ho Tram Players Championship.
“The Players’ Championship will be the highlight of the Asian Tour year and we could not think of a more deserving venue and event than Ho Tram,” commented Kyi Hla Han, Commissioner Asian Tour. “The inaugural year not only put Ho Tram on the map, but has reinforced Vietnam’s position as a growing force in the world of golf and sports.”
Ho Tram will host some of the best golfers in the world including defending Champion, Sergio Garcia, who will return to defend his title next April, the week after the year’s first major, The Masters. The US$1.2 million showpiece will become the richest prize purse for a full-field Asian Tour event and also receive an increase in world ranking points given its increased ‘flagship’ status.
“Today’s announcement reinforces our commitment to pioneering new and innovative events for Vietnam,” commented Michael E Kelly, Executive Chairman of Asian Coast Development Ltd. “An event of this stature will afford us the opportunity to evolve the Ho Tram Strip’s appeal as a luxury destination and grow Vietnam’s status as a major player in global golf and tourism.”
Players will compete around The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, which has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the world of golf, with an unprecedented haul of accolades. The Greg Norman designed golf course, which was launched in November 2014 was recognised as ‘The World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the World Golf Awards and was also recently ranked #74 in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses.
Greg Norman said: “From the moment I first set foot on site at The Bluffs I knew we would create one of our best courses ever. But to have the opportunity to showcase that and also test some of the best players in the world, initially with the Ho Tram Open and now the Ho Tram Players Championship, takes it to another level for me both as a player and golf course designer. I’m extremely proud to be a part it and look forward to seeing the game continue to grow in this part of the world.”
“I made no secret about how impressed I was with Ho Tram and The Bluffs and the response I have had around the world about how spectacular the championship looked has been extraordinary,” commented defending Champion Sergio Garcia. “For the event to be announced as The Players Championship is a huge step and I think everyone involved should be particularly proud of getting the event to such status in such a short space of time.”
The Ho Tram Players Championship will be broadcast around the world in over 180 countries, reaching over 740 million households, making it one of the most watched sporting events in Vietnam’s history.
Ben Styles, Vice-President Golf & Residential Development for The Ho Tram Strip said, “This is yet another milestone in Ho Tram and Vietnam’s history. To host such a prestigious Championship will certainly add more interest for Vietnam, increasing global viewing figures as well as giving our top Vietnamese amateurs the opportunity to compete against the world’s best.”
Asian Coast Development Ltd. www.asiancoastdevelopment.com
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip http://thebluffshotram.com/
Greg Norman Golf Course Design www.gngcd.com