Asian Tour

The Asian Tour is the premier professional golf circuit in Asia, showcasing elite talent across breathtaking courses. Established in 1995, it serves as a gateway to global success, with champions like Thongchai Jaidee and Joohyung Kim. Featuring the International Series, it continues to shape the future of professional golf worldwide.

4 February, 2025

The Premier Professional Golf Circuit in Asia

Introduction

The Asian Tour is the leading professional golf tour in Asia, recognized as the official regional tour by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). It serves as a vital developmental pathway to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, offering top players the opportunity to compete at the highest levels globally.

Established in 1995, the Asian Tour has seen golf legends like Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and Anirban Lahiri rise through its ranks. This article explores the history, structure, qualification process, notable tournaments, past champions, and the global significance of the Asian Tour.

A Storied Legacy: The History of the Asian Tour

Origins and Evolution

The Asian Tour was officially established in 1995 as a unified professional tour for golfers across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Australasia. Prior to its formation, Asian tournaments were managed by the Asia Golf Circuit.

Key Milestones

1995 – Formation of the Asian PGA Tour, later rebranded as the Asian Tour.
2004 – Introduction of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, enhancing the tour’s global status.
2010 – Partnership with the European Tour (now DP World Tour), increasing co-sanctioned events.
2022 – Launch of the International Series, backed by LIV Golf Investments, increasing prize funds and event prestige.

Understanding the Format of the Asian Tour

Season Structure

The Asian Tour season typically runs from January to December, featuring:

Full-field events, where players compete for ranking points and prize money.
Co-sanctioned tournaments with the DP World Tour and LIV Golf, offering access to higher-ranked fields.
The International Series, an elevated series of tournaments with increased prize funds.
Order of Merit ranking, determining top players who earn exemptions into major global events.

Pathway to Global Golf

Top finishers on the Asian Tour Order of Merit earn:

Exemptions into The Open Championship.
Access to the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
Opportunities on the LIV Golf League through The International Series.

GOAT Tour Hub

Website

Leaderboard

News

Major Tournaments on the Asian Tour

The Asian Tour hosts prestigious tournaments across multiple countries, providing competitive opportunities for rising golf stars.

Flagship Events

Hong Kong Open – One of Asia’s oldest tournaments, established in 1959.
SMBC Singapore Open – A key co-sanctioned event with the DP World Tour.
Indonesian Masters – A top-tier event that has attracted major champions.
Thailand Open – One of the most historic tournaments in Asian golf.
Saudi International – Part of the International Series, offering the largest purse on the Asian Tour.

These events provide Official World Golf Ranking points and direct qualification routes to international majors.

Champions of the Last Five Seasons

2023 Order of Merit Winner: Andy Ogletree (USA)

Major Win: International Series Egypt
Key Achievement: Secured LIV Golf opportunities.

2022 Order of Merit Winner: Sihwan Kim (USA)

Major Win: International Series Thailand
Key Achievement: Led the introduction of LIV-backed events.

2021 Order of Merit Winner: Joohyung “Tom” Kim (South Korea)

Major Win: Singapore International
Key Achievement: Graduated to the PGA Tour, winning multiple events in 2022-2023.

2020 Season Disrupted by COVID-19

Limited events played, with no official Order of Merit winner.

2019 Order of Merit Winner: Jazz Janewattananond (Thailand)

Major Win: Thailand Masters
Key Achievement: Qualified for The Open Championship and secured DP World Tour status.

Golfing Icons & Their Journey Through the Asian Tour

The Asian Tour has produced several top golfers who have transitioned to global success.

Notable Graduates

Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand) – 3-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner and multiple-time DP World Tour champion.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand) – First Thai golfer to earn a full PGA Tour card.
Anirban Lahiri (India) – Asian Tour star who moved to the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
Joohyung “Tom” Kim (South Korea) – Won the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship (2022) after excelling on the Asian Tour.
Jeev Milkha Singh (India) – Former Asian Tour No. 1, later winning on the DP World Tour.

These players exemplify the Asian Tour’s role as a stepping stone to golf’s biggest stages.

Traditions & The Order of Merit Trophy

Notable Traditions

Asian Tour Order of Merit Trophy – Awarded annually to the top-ranked player.
Hong Kong Open’s Historic Legacy – The longest-running professional golf tournament in Asia.
International Series Expansion – Launched in 2022, increasing global appeal.

The Order of Merit

The Order of Merit standings determine access to:

The Open Championship (via R&A exemptions).
LIV Golf League opportunities.
DP World Tour & Korn Ferry Tour pathways.

Record-Breaking Moments & Fascinating Facts

Most Asian Tour Wins: Thongchai Jaidee (13 titles).
Youngest Winner: Joohyung “Tom” Kim at age 17.
Lowest Winning Score: -27 (Kiradech Aphibarnrat, 2015 Maybank Championship).
Largest Margin of Victory: 9 strokes (Jeev Milkha Singh, 2006 Volvo Masters).
Highest Career Earnings: Thongchai Jaidee.

Why the Asian Tour Matters in Global Golf

The Asian Tour remains a critical platform for golfers aiming for the highest levels. Its contributions include:

Developing world-class talent who progress to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
Providing access to major championships through OWGR recognition.
Expanding golf’s reach across Asia and the Middle East.
Attracting investment through The International Series, boosting prize funds and prestige.

With its strong global ties, diverse player base, and elite tournaments, the Asian Tour continues to grow as one of golf’s most important regional tours.

Final Thoughts

The Asian Tour stands as a powerhouse in international golf, producing stars who achieve global success. With an expanding schedule, increasing prize funds, and stronger pathways to elite tours, the tour is poised for future growth.

As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes are on the next generation of Asian Tour stars aiming to follow in the footsteps of Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and Joohyung “Tom” Kim.