Olazábal has urged the European Tour to acknowledge the Royal Trophy’s “extraordinary” development and special position in the world of golf by making the Event part of their official schedule in future years.
José Maria Olazábal has urged the European Tour to acknowledge the Royal Trophy’s “extraordinary” development and special position in the world of golf by making the Event part of their official schedule in future years. And he wants the Asian Tour to sanction the Royal Trophy as well, saying they are doing the game no favours by not actively participating in the Event.
Olazábal, one of the most popular players in the game, will use his considerable influence to try to persuade the game’s rulers that the Royal Trophy is “far too special” for them not to be fully on board.
He said: “I would love to see the European Tour more involved in the Event because I think the Royal Trophy has a very strong future.
“I think the last three extremely exciting editions have shown that the Competition has grown in stature by an extraordinary amount, and that the matches are going to be very close every year.
“It is far too special for anyone with the best interests of the game at heart not to be part of it.
“These matches, the spirit they are played in and the standard of play on view, are a great advertisement for the game. And with that in mind, I would also like to see the Asian Tour supporting the Event.
“The Japan Golf Tour has done a great job with their huge commitment to the Event. If you could see that same commitment from the European and Asian Tours, I think the Royal Trophy has an even brighter future.”
An announcement on the venues for the next two editions of the Royal Trophy – which attracted a massive global television audience after being screened in more than 250 countries and territories – will be made in February. But Olazábal would love to see it move to Europe sometime in the future.
Europe’s triumphant Ryder Cup captain added: “I think the ultimate goal would be the same scenario as the Ryder Cup.
“I think it is good to play it as annual event in Asia for the time being, while it becomes more and more firmly established. But to be honest, the ideal situation would be one year in Asia and one year in Europe. The only thing is that in this time of the year, it is very difficult to find a place with good weather and good playing conditions in Europe. But it could be in a neutral area.
“But above all, I feel we should have more support and agreement from the European and Asian Tours. That would be fantastic, because I truly believe that this can be a huge Competition, a very big Championship.
“The ideal situation would be a big collaboration with the European and Asian Tours, encouraging all parties take part in this great Competition.”
Olazábal is also eager to remain on board himself – accepting that his second Royal Trophy defeat as European Captain was an unwelcome blot on his otherwise exemplary golfing CV.
The double Masters champion was certainly not used to finishing on the losing side at the Ryder Cup. He could hardly blame himself after Europe were edged out in a sudden death play-off after they finished deadlocked with Asia at eight points all in a pulsating contest at The Empire Hotel & Country Club in the Sultanate of Brunei.
But he pointed out that he was also in command when Europe suffered their only previous loss, in 2009 – and that Naomichi ‘Joe’ Ozaki had been his victorious opposite number on both occasions.
The Spanish great clearly had his tongue planted firmly in his cheek as he remarked: “First of all, to make it clear, I’m the only one that has lost – twice!
“So maybe it’s my fault, I don’t know – after seeing my record, we might choose someone else! We have to wait and see. But if I am offered the chance, I would love to do it again. It is a lot of fun – and I owe Joe one!
“I must say we had a great time, all the boys and myself, all having dinner together, spending time together. Despite the result, it was a great week.”
Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
