Indian golfers threaten boycott of European Tour event

NEW DELHI: Leading Indian golfers say they may boycott the European Tour's new 2.5-million-dollar event in their country next year if it is not co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.   

The inaugural Indian Masters has been alloted the February 7-10 slot in the European Tour's 2008 schedule although the venue has still to be confirmed.   

The new tournament has a prize fund five times bigger than the one offered by the Indian Open, an Asian Tour event which will take place in New Delhi in October.   

The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), a players' association, joined the Asian Tour in condemning as "unethical" the European Tour's policy to keep them out of the loop.   

Reigning Indian Open champion Jyoti Randhawa said the European Tour should have joined hands with the Asian Tour and the PGTI to organise the event.   

"It's a big event, bigger than anything we have had in India till now, but by not involving the Asian Tour and the PGTI, the European Tour has not respected the protocol that exists between any two Tours," said Randhawa.   

"What we are saying is, make us part of the bandwagon. As long as the Asian Tour and the PGTI are made partners in the event, there is no problem. I am confident that things will get sorted out.   

"If they want to go their way, I will be with the PGTI since it's the players' body."   

Shiv Kapur, a leading figure on the Asian Tour who also plays on the European Tour, hinted at a total boycott by the Indian players.   

"If the PGTI decides to stay away from the event, no Indian professional will play the event," he said.   

"I understand it will be the biggest golf event ever in India. Barring a few of us, most Indian players don't get to play in such a big tournament.   

"Still, the prize money on offer will not be a factor if the PGTI decides to boycott the event.   

"What is unethical is unethical. No question about it. But a boycott will be the last resort."   

The Indian Masters is to be promoted and organised by the company behind the Dubai Desert Classic.   

The PGTI's tour commissioner Ajay Gupta said the event without the players from the host nation would be "like going into other's territory uninvited".   

"The event is no doubt a very big one, like any world championship, and will give India a lot of publicity," said Gupta. "We want to do everything to encourage that. But we will be happy if it is done in a correct manner. There should be respect for each other."   

The Asian Tour's executive chairman Kyi Hla Han on Monday said in a statement that he was appalled by the conduct of his European counterparts.   

"The Asian Tour disagrees with the unethical actions of the European Tour which has avoided contact with the Asian Tour whilst announcing this new event in India," he said.   

"This action reflects on the European Tour's aggressive direction without any concern for the protocol of the International Federation of PGA Tours and highlights an invasive position on Asia."