The first ever Asian Tour golf event to be played outside of the continent will take place in June at Slaley Hall, Northumberland, with free entry for fans. The event has been made possible thanks to investment from LIV Golf, backed by PIF, who have invested in the Asian Tour to create a new series of special golf events, the first of which will be the 'International Series England' at Slaley Hall from 2nd June to 5th June.
It's the latest regional investment by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund following their high profile acquisition of Newcastle United in October, further reinforcing their support for the North East. At this stage it's unclear if any representatives from the football club will attend or have any involvement in the event hosting, or whether the purchase of Newcastle United has influenced the decision to make Slaley Hall the first UK destination in the International Series.
As well as a $2million prize fund competitors will also have a once in a life-time opportunity to qualify for will likely be the most lucrative event of their careers: the LIV Golf Invitational at Centurion Club one week later. Today Asian Tour are extending an open invitation to the North East golfing community to come watch the four-day event at the 'Augusta of the North' for free.
“This is the Asian Tour’s first visit to the United Kingdom, and we are looking forward to experiencing the North-East’s famous hospitality," said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of Asian Tour. "North-East sports fans are widely known for their passion and support for sport, and we would like to invite all sports fans, golfers and families to come and catch some world-class golfing action and enjoy a stunning venue at the perfect time of year.”
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International Series England is one of ten top-tier events announced by the PiF-backed LIV Golf investments and the Asian Tour which make up the all-new International Series. This $300million investment in golf will see tournaments like this take place across Asia, Middle East and Europe every year for the next decade, with Slaley Hall specially chosen as the very first UK event.
The North East event in June will be the ninth event on the Asian Tour schedule and the second event of The International Series. In the first event, American Sihwan Kim claimed victory at Black Mountain Golf Club in Thailand and currently leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Free entry is now open to all fans by simply registering at intlserieseng.seetickets.com
