The Asian Tour is set to make history by staging an event in Scotland for the first time, with Fairmont St Andrews welcoming The International Series August 24-27.
Following immediately after the International Series England at Close House in an Asian Tour UK summer swing, the 156-strong field will compete for a S$1.5m purse in the sixth instalment of The International Series 2023.
The first St Andrews Bay Championship will take place on the venue’s Torrance Course, a 7,320-yard layout on the Scottish coastline with views of St Andrews Bay. Designed by former Ryder Cup player and captain Sam Torrance, the course is marked by its deep revetted bunkers and links design.
Fairmont St Andrews owners Caleb Chan and Dr Peter Lam both hail from Hong Kong and their decision to host the event comes on the back of the inspired win by Taichi Kho – who became the first Hong Kong player to win on the Asian Tour in just his third professional start on tour. His victory in the World City Championship also earned him a berth in his first major championship – this summer’s Open Championship.
Callum Nicoll, head of golf and estates at Fairmont St Andrews, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be staging another world-class event at Fairmont St Andrews, and to be making history as the first Scottish host of the Asian Tour. The Torrance course offers a challenging test for the players this summer, blending the principles of links golf with a more modern style. The elevated nature of The International Series with generous purses, strong international fields, and the reward of a place for the series winner in next year’s LIV Golf League all makes for a very exciting tournament in the summer.”
Cho Minn Thant, commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “There are few greater experiences in golf than playing in Scotland. It is widely known that Scotland’s golf fans are among the most knowledgeable fans anywhere in the world and our players are really looking forward to teeing it up at a venue that is linked to the origins of the game as we know it. It is a true privilege. This is testament to the global vision of The International Series, and we are grateful to the dedicated team behind the scenes which has enabled the Asian Tour to grow from strength to strength over a short period of time.”
The Asian Tour’s elite-level International Series comprises 10 events, featuring elevated prize funds, staged at iconic venues and welcoming top golfers from every continent.
