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R & A supports Ladies Asian Golf Tour

In recognition of its effort and professionalism in running a golf Tour, the year-old Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT) received a timely shot in the arm from the R&A when the world of golf's ruling authority offered a grant of US$10,000 towards LAGT's operational cost for the second season beginning in November, 2006.

R&A were convinced by the highly credible manner in which the inaugural LAGT Tour functioned and its overwhelming success that saw the participation of players from the USLPGA, Ladies European Tour, Japan LPGA, Korea LPGA, Thailand, Myanmar, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Canada, Wales, England, the Philippines and India.

LAGT president Rae-Vadee T. Suwan said she had appealed to the R&A to set aside allocation particularly to LAGT's Rules Committee which bears the cost of the referees marshalling the Tour.

"I asked the R&A though their Director for Asia-Pacific region Colin Phillips to consider giving some subsidy towards the referees' expenses as we want to have a good ruling standard on the Tour. Phillips went back to give his report to the R&A who then agreed to give us an allocation of US$10,000 for such purpose," she said.

However, Rae-Vadee added that although the amount granted is not enough to cover all events for the expanded second season that stretches from November 2006 to March 2007, nevertheless "we are honoured and feel that it is a good gesture on the part of the R&A to provide us with this initial grant and the recognition they have accorded to LAGT for what we are doing for ladies golf in Asia. With the coming season expanded to between eight and 10 events as compared to the five we had in the first season, we hope R&A will consider increasing the grant in the near future".

Rae-Vadee said LAGT has already provided the R&A with its event report of the inaugural season and has held several discussions with R&A officials during her meetings in Bangkok and Australia.

She said in general R&A is pleased with the Ladies Tour and the wide visibility R&A has generated through their involvement with LAGT and their effort to create awareness of their contributions towards the development of golf.

"Naturally, I hope that LAGT can get the R&A more involved as our Tour soars to greater heights," said Rae-Vadee.

Meanwhile, Aylwin Tai, LAGT Chief Executive, said: "The recognition we have gained from the R&A will help ensure the success of the Tour in 2007 and beyond. The rapid expansion of the LAGT is an indication not only of the success of the Tour in its inaugural year but also of the success of our female golfers in driving the widespread popularity of golf as a competitive sport in the region.

June 22, 2006