Sentosa: Korean star Y E Yang
joined the likes of Vijay Singh and Jeev Milkha Singh and
became the fourth golfer to accept an Honorary Membership from
the Asian Tour.
Yang, Asia's first Major champion, joined compatriot K J
Choi, Vijay Singh of Fiji and reigning Asian Tour number one
Jeev to receive the honour for outstanding achievements and
contribution towards professional golf in Asia.
"I'm honoured to receive this recognition from the Asian
Tour as I never expected it. But at the same time, I'm
thankful. It is a great privilege for me," said Yang, who
featured on the Asian Tour from 1999 to 2003.
The 37-year-old Yang was a late starter in the game where
he picked up golf at the age of 19 with the intention of
teaching at the local driving range on Jeju island.
Through hard work and dedication, he won twice in 2006 at
the Korean Open and the HSBC Champions where he defeated Tiger
Woods, the same man he beat for his historic PGA Championship
triumph in August.
"I cut my teeth on the Asian Tour all those years ago. I
wasn't a prominent player back then and now, I'm an Honorary
Member," Yang quipped.
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han welcomed Yang
into the exclusive club.
"We are privileged and honoured that Yang has accepted
the Honorary Membership. Yang spent five seasons on the Asian
Tour before going on to achieve success internationally and
his memorable victory at the PGA Championship was truly a
milestone for Asian golf," Han said.
"One of the missions of the Asian Tour is to create a
truly competitive platform for our members to become
world-class players and Yang's rise shows that we have
succeeded.”
"Along with Vijay Singh, K J Choi and Jeev Milkha Singh,
Yang will become a source of inspiration for Asian Tour
players to continue to reach for the stars," Han added.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, November 09, 2009, 13:54