Asia v Europe match returns at Bankok
venue from January 9 to 11

PRESS RELEASE
The Royal Trophy will return onto the Schedules of the Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour and European Tour in 2009 when Europe’s eight-strong team seeks a hat-trick of victories over Asia at Amata Spring Country Club, Thailand, from January 9 to 11.

It will be the third edition of The Royal Trophy and replaces the contest planned for January 2008, which was postponed when Thailand entered a period of mourning over the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, the elder sister of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Europe’s attempt to win the match-play tournament for a third consecutive time will now take place at the exclusive Bangkok golf course at the start of 2009.

The Royal Trophy features eight-man teams from Asia and Europe, led by non-playing captains, competing in 16 matches for stewardship of the Royal Trophy, which was graciously donated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Europe won the inaugural contest 9-7 in January 2006 and retained The Royal Trophy with a convincing victory last year.

Thoughts, of course, will be with Seve Ballesteros, who led Europe to victory on both occasions, in his ongoing battle following surgery to remove a brain tumour.

The Royal Trophy will once again see four foursomes matches open proceedings on Friday January 9, with four four-ball matches following on Saturday January 10. The contest will close with eight singles matches on Sunday January 11.

A team requires eight-and-a-half points for an outright victory