Asian Amateur Championship poised to help inspire Golf development

Tokyo, Japan – For the second time, the Asian Amateur Championship, organised by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) and supported by the Masters Tournament and The R&A, will gather the top amateur players from up to 34 APGC-member nations to determine the region’s top golfer of the year. With an invitation to play in the 2011 Masters Tournament awaiting the winner, and a spot for both the winner and the runner(s)-up in next year’s International Final Qualifying for The Open Championship at stake, the Asian Amateur Championship will again aim to motivate players to play at the game’s highest level.

From 7-10 October 2010, a 120-player field will compete in the 72-hole stroke play event on the West Course at Kasumigaseki Country Club, located about one hour northwest of Tokyo near historic Kawagoe City in the Saitama Prefecture.

During the Championship, two-time Masters and Open Championship participant Ryo Ishikawa will speak at a private dinner for players and officials, assuming an inspirational role filled last year by Gary Player at the event’s inaugural event in China.

“Ryo is a golfing icon to the people of Japan,” said Kwangsoo Hur, President of the APGC. “At a young age, he has quickly become a contemporary example of how global success helps breed the growth of a sport in one’s homeland. His message will no doubt be further inspiration for every player in the championship field to fulfil their dreams in golf.”

Ishikawa, only 19, has already become an eight-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour, with his first victory coming in 2007 as a 15-year-old amateur. He celebrated his best finish in a major championship at this year’s Open when he tied for 27th at St. Andrews. He is currently ranked 52nd in the Official World Golf Ranking.

“It is such an honour to be included in this prestigious event and I am eager to greet the players in the field and the officials from the APGC, Masters Tournament and The R&A,” Ishikawa said. “I am optimistic that others may learn from my experiences and help grow this great game, which has already given so much to me and my family.”

For more information about the Asian Amateur Championship, including latest news, schedule, spectator information and roster of players competing, please visit the event’s Web site at
www.asianamateurchampionship.com.