The prestigious Mercuries Taiwan Masters will celebrate its 32nd edition with an increased prize purse of US$850,000 when it returns to the Taiwan Golf and Country Club next month, officials announced today.
The storied event will offer an extra US$50,000 in its 2018 edition and will reinforce its stature as the leading men’s professional golf tournament in Taiwan and the longest-running full-field event on the Asian Tour when it gets underway from September 27 to 30.
Held annually on the Asian Tour since 2004, the Mercuries Taiwan Masters has celebrated many worthy winners such as local heroes Lu Wei-chih and Lin Wen-tang as well as Malaysian duo Danny Chia and Gavin Green.
After enduring several near-misses for a breakthrough win, Green finally claimed his maiden Asian Tour title at the 2017 Mercuries Taiwan Masters where he triumphed by two shots.
The victory proved to be a massive boost for him as he went on to become the first man from his country to lift the coveted Order of Merit crown on the Asian Tour.
This year’s Mercuries Taiwan Masters will also mark a significant milestone as the regular host venue, the Taiwan Golf and Country Club, which is the oldest club in Taiwan, celebrates its centennial year in 2018.
George Wong, Chairman of Taiwan Masters Golf Tournament, said: “We have enjoyed over three decades of glorious golf at the Tamsui course and celebrated worthy champions along the way. The tournament has also shown improvements every year. I’m confident it will continue to drive the development of the game in Taiwan and across Asia.”
“This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Taiwan Golf and Country Club. We are honoured to hold the tournament at the oldest golf course in Taiwan again. I believe the increased prize fund will also ensure another great tournament for both players and fans,” added Wong.
Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour Chief Operating Officer, lauded the strong commitment and support from Mercuries Group, saying they have played a major role in growing the game in the country and across the region.
“On behalf of our members, I would like to thank George and Mercuries Group for their unwavering support towards professional golf at the highest level in Asia. Sponsorship is the lifeblood of professional golf and it is satisfying to be associated with a sponsor who fully supports golf in Taiwan and Asia,” said Cho.
The Mercuries Taiwan Masters, which is celebrating its 15th consecutive edition on the region’s premier Tour this year, will be the first of the two Asian Tour events held in Taiwan this season.
