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Aamby Valley Masters raises prize fund to $400,000

Total prize money for the inaugural Aamby Valley Masters in India next month will be increased to US$400,000, the Asian Tour announced today.

This is a lucrative US$100,000 jump from the initial fund announced by the event's title sponsor, Sahara India Pariwar. The exciting new event will be played at the magnificent Aamby Valley Sahara Lake City in Mumbai from May 11-14 where it is the 13th leg of this season's Asian Tour.

Asian Tour Chief Executive Louis Martin said the increase in prize money was made possible through a contribution by the European Tour. The winner will now take home a cheque of US$63,400.

The Aamby Valley Masters was originally scheduled to be staged in February but the dates were moved to allow the Enjoy Jakarta HSBC Indonesia Open, which is co-sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours, to be played.

"In the spirit of our close working relationship, the European Tour has generously contributed towards the total prize money which will be up on offer at the Aamby Valley Masters," said Martin.

"The main sponsors of the tournament were very supportive when making the decision to move the dates and the European Tour, in particular its Executive Director George O'Grady, felt it was appropriate to recognise this wonderful act of close cooperation and committed to the extra funds for the Aamby Valley Masters.

"On behalf of our players, I would like to extend our appreciation to the European Tour whose contribution will certainly enhance the staging of our new tournament."

The Aamby Valley Masters is one of two major events in India which is part of the Asian Tour Schedule. The other event is the Hero Honda Indian Open, which will be played in October.

The addition of the new Indian event comes at a perfect time as Indian golfers have won several major tournaments in Asia recently, which includes Jeev Milkha Singh's one-stroke victory at the Volvo China Open in Beijing on Sunday.

Last December, Shiv Kapur claimed his maiden professional title by lifting the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia in Thailand.

ABOUT AAMBY VALLEY SAHARA LAKE CITY

Aamby Valley, Sahara Lake City - India's first, and perhaps the world's finest hill city is spread extensively over 10,000 acres of land, replete with the natural scenic beauty of lakes and valleys. The prestigious lifestyle project is convinced keeping in mind the various facets of life, leisure and home. Nestled in the cradle of nature, Aamby Valley is snugly placed amidst the picturesque hills of Sahayadri range, within the easy reach of India’s commercial capital Mumbai.

Spread over 256 acres of undulated greens, Aamby Valley boasts of an 18-hole, 72 par floodlit championship golf course designed and approved for championship play by PGADC, PGA of Great Britain and Ireland. The Sahara PGA Golf Academy houses state-of-the-art teaching system and facilities along with GASP System (Golf Analysis System for Professionals) introduced for the first time in Asia, swing analysis, laser club fitting, and bio-mechanics. The Golf Academy has a 24 bay driving range, and practice areas for chipping, putting and bunker shots. Comprehensive golf pro-shop, golf carts, driving range with putting greens and bunkers prepare golfers to have a memorable round of golf at Aamby Valley Golf club.

April 17, 2006