Asian stars delighted at invitation to The Masters

Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand putts during the final round of the Volvo Masters of Asia at the Thai Country Club in Bangkok on Dec. 9 last year. PHOTO: AFP

Asian Tour stars Liang Wenchong, Jeev Milkha Singh and Prayad Marksaeng have expressed delight after receiving special invitations to compete in The Masters tournament in April.

The trio were over the moon yesterday after learning they will compete in the year's first major and have vowed to perform admirably at Augusta National Golf Club to reinforce the rise of Asian golf.

Asian Tour executive chairman Kyi Hla Han said their invitations were further recognition of the Tour's growing stature.

"We are delighted for our three players. It is another endorsement for the Asian Tour," said Kyi, adding that he was grateful for the "belief and vision for golf in Asia."

"I am confident that Liang Wen-chong, Prayad Marksaeng and Jeev Milkha Singh will fly the Asian Tour flag proudly at Augusta National in their quest to challenge the world's best golfers," he said.

Augusta National chairman Billy Payne announced the names for the April 10 to April 13 tournament on Monday.

"These three individuals are successful, accomplished and talented golfers deserving of a Masters invitation," Payne said. "They are outstanding representatives of their respective countries."

More Asian players can qualify for The Masters by winning a US PGA event or placing among the top 50 on the world golf rankings in the week before the tournament.

"I've always hoped I could play in The Masters but I just kept waiting patiently," said Liang, winner of the Asian Tour's Order of Merit last season, who will become the second Chinese after Zhang Lianwei to play at The Masters.

"Not everybody can get into The Masters and I'm happy I have been given a chance," he said.

Prayad will be the third Thai to feature at Augusta, following Sukree Onsham and Thongchai Jaidee.

The 41-year-old, a six-time winner on the Asian Tour, never thought he would get a chance.

"I am very excited. I've always asked my manager if I could have a chance to play in The Masters and then I get a phone call from last week," Prayad said. "I hope I can do well and show everyone how good Asian players are."

Singh, Asia's No. 1 in 2006, made history last year when he became the first Indian to qualify for The Masters after breaking into the world's top 50. He enjoyed a memorable debut by finishing tied 37th.

He was surprised to receive a return trip as he had slipped to 81st in the world.

"I couldn't have asked for a better start to the year," said Singh, who enjoyed a stunning 2006 season with four victories globally. "I was planning to work my way back into the world's top-50 to qualify again."

"It's a dream come true as The Masters is my favorite championship," he said.

Other Asians who are set to play at Augusta include South Korean K.J. Choi and Japan's Shingo Katayama and Toru Taniguchi.