Royal Trophy staying in Asia for now

The Asia versus Europe Royal Trophy will remain in Asia for at least five more years to capitalise on a regional golf boom that has attracted interest from eight countries keen to host the matchplay contest.

The Royal Trophy was held over the weekend in Thailand for a fifth year and organisers Entertainment Group said yesterday they are ready to formally invite bids to host one or more of the next five editions.

"We won't go to Europe for the next five years because we believe Asia can benefit more from this contest," Entertainment Group managing director Lincoln Vernancio said.

"Golf is growing so fast here and the event can play a much bigger role in Asia over the next five years than in Europe."

The contest is modelled on the Ryder Cup and was created in 2005 by Seve Ballesteros, with Thailand selected as host for the first five editions. Europe, who were captained by Colin Montgomerie at the weekend, have won four times, including a 9-7 victory on Sunday after a superb fightback from four points down.

Vernancio said more than 20 different parties from at least eight countries had expressed interest in hosting the event and, although he would not name the parties or countries, said that there was a "strong possibility" it would soon be held in China, which has seen rapid growth in the number of players and golf courses.