MALAYSIA -- The 2006 Asian Tour Qualifying School will be played over two stages in Malaysia next January, with a minimum of 40 Tour cards available.
Stage One of the Qualifying School will be played from January 4-7, 2006 over three venues, Palm Resort Golf and Country Club in Senai, Johor, Tanjong Puteri Golf and Country Club in Pasir Gudang, Johor and Seri Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur.
The all-important Final Stage will be held at Palm Resort from January 11-14 where the top-40 finishers and ties will gain their Asian Tour membership for the 2006 season.
Asian Tour Chief Executive Louis Martin said: "Following the continued growth of the Asian Tour, we are anticipating a very strong turnout of players from all over the world to compete for playing privileges on the Asian Tour."
"At this year's Qualifying School in January, we received nearly 600 entries from over 30 different countries which was a strong endorsement of the Asian Tour's stature as one of the main Tours in the world."
After an inaugural 2004 season which consisted of 22 tournaments and US$12 million in total prize money, the Asian Tour will stage a total of 28 tournaments this season, and offer over US$20 million in total prize money. This is a new milestone for professional golf in the region but Martin is predicting that the 2006 season could be even bigger.
"Over the past one year, the Asian Tour has grown by six events with the players shooting for more prize money as well. We have visited new countries such as Brunei and Vietnam over the last two years and we are working closely with various organisations to spread our wings and create more playing opportunities for our membership."
"We are expecting our 2006 season to go beyond the 30-event mark which will reinforce the Asian Tour as the fastest growing tour in the world," said Martin.
He also pointed out that many of this year's Qualifying School graduates have made their mark on the Asian Tour. Richard Lee of New Zealand and Australian Scott Strange won maiden titles in Philippines and Myanmar respectively while the likes of Shiv Kapur of India has emerged as one of Asia's rising stars.
"The Qualifying School is undoubtedly a springboard to more golfing success in Asia. Over the years, we have seen players like Kevin Na, Charlie Wi and Thongchai Jaidee graduating from the Qualifying School and later establishing themselves on the international scene."
"The Qualifying School will no doubt provide a stern test for the hopefuls. There is a belief that the Qualifying School creates as much pressure as playing in a Major as players are battling for their careers. Surviving the test will shape their careers for the rest of the year," said Martin.
The entry form and hotel information for the 2006 Qualifying School is now available on www.asiantour.com
