Prayad speaks out against 'OneAsia' Tour

Thai star Prayad Marksaeng has voiced opposition to the planned Asia-Pacific 'super tour' saying it would be harmful to golf development in the region. The 'OneAsia Tour' was initiated by the PGA of Australia and has received support from China, South Korea and Japan.

Its aim is to create a new circuit with lucrative tournaments to lure top players to rival the US PGA Tour and the European Tour. The Asian Tour has refused to support the idea.

Prayad said he completely disagreed to the plan as the new tour would give young players fewer chances to play.

"We already have a lot of good tournaments. Although there would be more big tournaments, it would be hard for young players to play in these tournaments," he said.

"When you have many big names in a tournament, young players would receive fewer chances of playing."

He added it would be better to improve existing tournaments to give more playing opportunities to up-and-coming players.

Gerry Norquist, senior vice president of the Asian Tour, said the tour had enough events for young stars to improve their skills.

March 25, 2008