Taiwan Masters up to $US950,000

Prizemoney for the long-running Taiwan Masters has been boosted to $US950,000. That’s about $NZ1.5 million.

Inaugurated in 1987, the Taiwan Masters has been held annually on the Asian Tour from 2004 and sees a third consecutive increase in prizemoney since 2018.

The tournament enjoyed a $US50,000 increase in prizemoney to $US850,000 in 2018, before another $US50,000 increase in 2019 took its purse to $US900,000.

With an all-time high $US950,000 on offer at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club from September 17-20, the tournament has cemented its status as the richest professional men’s golf tournament in Taiwan this season. The winner stands to take home $US190,000.

Cho Minn Thant, commissioner of the Asian Tour, said: “We’re thankful for the strong commitment and support shown by the (tournament’s sponsor) Mercuries Group.

“The relationship between the Mercuries Group and the Asian Tour has never been stronger and I’m delighted the increased prizemoney is going to provide our members with a tremendous incentive as they compete for top honours.”

Last year, Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai clinched his Asian Tour breakthrough at the Taiwan Masters with a one-shot victory while local veteran Lu Wen-teh remains the only champion to have successfully defended his title in 2008. Lu also holds the record for most wins in the event with four (1994, 1996, 2007 and 2008).

Ends.