Source: Guinness Golf Records, Facts and Champions pp. 153-155 (ISBN: 0851128475)
Far East Circuit (1962-1967), Asian Golf Circuit (from 1968), Asian Golf Tour (1990s); aka Asian Pro Golf Circuit, Asian Tour, etc. run by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) (Asian Golf Confederation)
Started in 1962 as the "Far East Circuit" , , ,
In 1959, Hong Kong Open founded joining the long established Philippine Open.
In 1961, Singapore Open founded.
In 1962, Malaysian Open founded and along with a Japan Invitaional at Yomiuri Country Club, the Far East Circuit started with a points based circuit prize.
Became "Asia Golf Circuit" with the addition of India and Korea after 1968 (1975 was the 8th year: )
Founders Leonardo Guinto, Kim Hall, Alan Sutcliffe. Peter Thomson credited with helping the circuit get off the ground. ,
started with Philippine, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong opens, plus final tournament in Japan
Thailand Open started 1965
Taiwan Open started 1965, joined circuit the following year
Korea Open (started 1958) on circuit from 1970; replaced by Maekyung Open from 1982, Korea Open rescheduled to October/November
Indian Open (started 1964) on circuit from 1970
Indonesian Open started 1974 (1973? )
Papua New Guinea joined 1978, first tournament initially pencilled in for 1980 , but cancelled a few months later
Pakistan Open on circuit in 1989, for one year only
China joined APGC in 1996; Volvo China Open on tour in 1995?
In 1967 a new governing body (the Asian Golf Confederation) was formed to run the circuit ,
Expanded in 1978 to become the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation
Pre-qualifying introduced at some tournaments in 1974
1979
In 1976, breakaway threat by Malaysia. Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia to form their own tour from 1978
1994 sponsored and titled Newsweek Asian Tour; sponsorship ran for one year only
Bigger name foreign entries reduced by expanding schedules in US & Europe through the 1980s; tour further squeezed by introduction of Ben Hogan Tour in 1990.
OWGR points awarded until the end of the 1997 season
Squeezed out by APGA Tour
Impacted by economic crisis in 1997
Tours overlapped for a couple of years
Singapore Open on APGA Tour in 1996, having joined the Australasian Tour in 1993
Taiwan Open on APGA Tour in 1996(?), and from 1999
Indonesia joined APGA Tour at the end of 1996, Indonesia Open on APGA Tour in 1997
China on APGA Tour in 1997
Hong Kong still on APGC Tour in 1996 (1997 tour) Probably on APGA Tour in 1997
Thailand, Korea, India () on APGA Tour in 1998
Philippine, Malaysia, Maekyung on APGA tour in 1999
Discussed merging with Australasian Tour in 1993 ; APGC believed they had better prospects so ended discussions early in 1994.
APGA re-approached ANZ in 1995
ANZ ultimately partnered with APGA for co-sanctioned events in 1996
Tour ceased to exist by end of 1999
Six tournament "Asian Tour" in 1999, Kirin Open "5th leg"
Kirin Open renamed as "Asia-Pacific Championship Kirin Open" for 2000
Order of Merit winners
Source (1962-1987): Guinness Golf Records, Facts and Champions
R&A Handbook 1999 lists 6 events (excluding Indian Open which was APGA event)[2]
Originally planned 12-event schedule for 1998, with qualifying tournament scheduled for Feb 1998.[3]
1997 Maekyung Open opening event; “reached the top of the Asian tour”.[4] Also only event after conclusion of 1996/97 season to attract OWGR points.
Rolex 9th of 14 event
Organised by Philippine Golf Association?
Note: WoPG1998 lists tournaments for 1997 but does not confirm whether they counted or not, so only possible tournaments & schedule given usual dates, known 4 wins for Frankie Minoza ; Kirin Open penultimate event
"Asia Golf Tour will be bigger and richer. The circuit, organised by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, will comprise 17 tournaments worth a total of US$6.3 million ($B.B million) for the new season" – The Straits Times, 18 August 1995
Singapore Open joined Australasian Tour & a request to remain on the Asian Circuit was denied with Rolex Masters (Singapore) proposed to replace it ("approved event" this year, probably non-OoM).
Oh, Tae-sik (31 December 1997). "프로골프 아시안투어 상반기 경기일정 확정 국내 톱랭커 대거 참여"[The competition schedule for the first half of the professional golf Asian tour has been confirmed. A large number of top rankers in Korea will participate.]. Maeil Newspaper (in Korean). Retrieved 23 February 2024.
"[골프] 신용진, 아시안투어 상금랭킹 5위"[[Golf] Shin Yong-jin, 5th place in the Asian Tour prize ranking]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). 7 May 1998. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
K. J. Choi
Frankie Minoza
Kim Jong-duck
Rick Todd
Brandt Jobe
Carlos Franco
Lu Chien-soon
Graham Marsh
