Top golfers set to tee off in Taiwan's Asian Open

Some of the world's best golfers are arriving in Taiwan for the BMW Asian Open, which begins with a shoot out tomorrow at the Westin Resort, Ta Shee.

A first-class list of international players are lined up for the shoot out and the sponsors have put up US$1.5 million in prize money.

A strong supporting cast of local players is also taking part in the competition.

Even Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) is getting in on the action by handing out lucky charms to the players when she officially opens the event.

The BMW Asian Open tournament actually starts on Thursday and run through to Sunday.

The shoot out is an additional event that will provide players with the opportunity to get used to the course and have a bit of fun before the PGA-backed tournament starts.

The format for the shoot out will be "sudden death" playoffs on a hole-by-hole basis.

Jose Maria Olazabal said he was looking forward to the shoot out. "Playing BMW tournaments is always great fun and I'm already looking forward to [it]."

Former BMW International Open champion John Daly, Fiji's Vijay Singh, Michael Campbell, Miguel Jimenez and Nick Faldo are all slated for the event.

Daily tickets can be bought from Era ticket offices and cost between NT$300 and NT$400.

An NT$800 ticket is also available covering the four days of competition. Entry for the star player shoot out and pro-am competition on Wednesday Nov. 21 is free.

On the Net:

www.bmw-asian-open.com