Mission to develop, grow the sport

WHEN the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (Apac) was created by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament and The R&A (golf's governing body) back in 2009, its aim was to develop golf in Asia and provide a focal point for the amateur game in this part of the world.

The 120-player field annually comprise the top male amateurs in the Asia-Pacific region representing the 39 Asia Pacific Golf Confederation member organisations. Members include Australia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan and Singapore.

The champion receives a place in the following year's Masters Tournament and, along with the runner(s)-up, a berth in The Open Qualifying Series for The Open in the next year. The tournament has since produced some worthy champions who have gone on to either remain at the top of their game in the amateur arena or make that leap into the professional ranks.