(Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland, 23 August 2023) The St Andrews Bay Championship tees off at Fairmont St Andrews on 24-27 August 2023 welcoming the Asian Tour elite and celestial icons of the LIV Golf League.
Boasting a prize purse of US$1.5 million, this tournament signifies the sixth stop on The International Series 2023 calendar. The esteemed Fairmont St Andrews Torrance Course holds the distinction of being the inaugural venue for the Asian Tour’s debut on Scottish soil.
Having arrived in St Andrews ahead of his seventh International Series tournament, Chase Koepka, brother of five-time Major winner Brooks Koepka said: “I think to be one of the best players in the world you have got to play all over the world. The Asian Tour has given everybody that opportunity to do this and the same goes with LIV. I just think it’s great to be able to go everywhere and anywhere. LIV is lifechanging.”
The 29-year-old is well versed in the allure of St Andrews, having travelled to the seaside town on Scotland’s East coast as a child.
“It’s obviously a special spot here at St Andrews so any time you get to be around these parts, it’s very special. I’ve been here before, just walking around when I was really young and then got to play a few events around here [as a professional] but, every time, it warms your heart being back.”
The unique challenge of a links course will be new to many of the Asian Tour members competing in Scotland for the first time, however Koepka is ready for what lies ahead.
He added: “Usually, on the into-the-wind holes, you’re just trying to figure out a way to make par. Links golf can be perfect summer one hole; then in the next hole, it’s raining and blowing a ‘hoolie’, so anything can happen. You have got to have an even keel, positive outlook on this because it’s going to play tough.”
The 2023 World City Championship winner Taichi Kho is among a collection of young and hungry Asian Tour players looking to move up The International Series Order of Merit and the St Andrews Bay Championship offers a chance to do just that.
Kho said: “An International Series win is just next level really. It’s the pinnacle of Asian Tour events so to be able to play well out here would mean the world and I’m just really looking forward to playing some good golf.”
The Hong Kong native is making his debut in Scotland and emphasised the need for adaptability given the unpredictable Scottish climate.
“I think the weather here in Scotland is a little different [from home] so in terms of my game, I think it’s really important to have a good idea of how far your irons are going, how to flight the ball off the tee, and just little things like that.”
For more information on the St Andrews Bay Championship please visit asiantour.com.
