Australasian players to feature at next Royal Trophy?

Golfers from Australasia may feature at next year's Royal Trophy against twice winners Europe, following Asia's crushing defeat at the weekend, organisers said on Monday.

Players from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands may be asked to represent Asia to raise the standard of next year's competition after the hosts were beaten 12-1/2 to 3-1/2 by the Ryder Cup champions.

A spokesman for the Royal Trophy organisers said it was a "real possibility" that Australasian players would be asked to take part.

Johan Edfors, a member of the European team, suggested to organisers that they follow soccer's lead and allow several non-Asian countries to play in Asian events to make them more competitive.

That would mean players such as Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy of Australia, former world number one Fijian Vijay Singh and Major winner Michael Campbell of New Zealand would be available for selection.

"That would be great for the competition and great for us," Edfors said in a statement issued on Monday.

"Europe is clearly the best team in world golf at the moment and we would love to take on an Asian team which includes Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific as well."

The Royal Trophy follows a Ryder Cup format and takes place annually.

The contest will be held in Thailand until 2010 before alternating between the two continents.

January 15, 2007