Golf: $1-M Resorts World Manila Masters could decide Order of Merit winner – Asian Tour

Asian Tour chairman Kyi Hla Han and Resorts World Manila chief operating officer Stephen James Reilly said in interviews with GMA News Online that the November tournament's $1 million prize fund and placement near the end of the golfing season could give its winner the decisive points needed to claim the Order of Merit.

 

Kyi Hla Han said he considers the Resorts World Manila Masters to be among the three most prestigious competitions on the Asian circuit this season.

 

Resorts World Manila has a “landmark” five-year agreement with the Asian Tour, the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region.

 

The inaugural tournament was held in November last year and had 132 players competing. Chinese star Liang Wen-chong executed a come from behind win against Thailand's Prom Meesawat “in a thrilling play-off” to claim the exquisite trophy sculpted by Michael Cacnio.

 

Liang Wen-chion donated half of his prize winnings for Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) relief efforts.

 

This year, the organizers said the tournament's $1M prize fund and Olympics qualifying points combine to ensure that up to 144 of the world's top golf masters will compete at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Manila Southwoods.

 

“This is a great platform for them to showcase themselves. Manila Southwoods ensures that we will have the best venue possible,” Reilly said.

 

Kyi Hla Han expects Liang Wen-chong and last year's Order of merit winner, Kiradech Aphibarnrat to be among the top seeds vying for the trophy.

 

Reilly, in an interview with GMA News' Chino Trinidad said he hopes the weather will be much better come November, unlike last year when Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck and left destruction in its path along the Visayas.  — GMA News