Understanding the Asian Tour Purse: Everything You Need to Know

The Asian Tour is a vibrant and competitive golf circuit that attracts the best talent from across Asia and around the world. One of the key elements that draws golfers to the tour is the purse—the total prize money up for grabs in each event. In this article, we’ll break down how the Asian Tour purse works, the significance of the prize pool, and what it means for players and fans alike.

What is the Asian Tour Purse?

The Asian Tour purse refers to the total amount of money that is available as prize money for each tournament on the Asian Tour calendar. This sum is distributed among the players based on their finishing positions, with the winner receiving the largest share. The purse size can vary significantly depending on the tournament, with some events offering multi-million-dollar prize pools, while others have more modest purses.

Key Points:

• Prize Pool: The total amount of money available to players.
• Distribution: The purse is distributed to the top finishers of the tournament.
• Fluctuation: Prize amounts can vary depending on the event, sponsors, and location.

Understanding the purse is essential for fans who want to know how the financial side of professional golf works. It’s also a significant motivator for players striving to make a living from the game.

How is the Purse Distributed?

The distribution of the Asian Tour purse follows a relatively standard structure. The tournament winner typically receives the largest portion, while the other top finishers also get their share based on where they finish.

Breakdown of Prize Distribution:

1. Winner: Generally receives about 18-20% of the purse.
2. Runner-Up: Receives 12-14% of the total prize pool.
3. Top 10 Finishers: Players finishing in the top 10 typically earn a percentage of the purse, with the remaining funds allocated to the players finishing lower.

For example, if a tournament has a $1 million purse, the winner could earn $180,000-$200,000, while the second-place finisher might walk away with $120,000.

Example:

A tournament purse of $1.5 million could see the top earners take home:

• 1st Place: $300,000
• 2nd Place: $180,000
• 3rd Place: $120,000
• 4th to 10th: Smaller amounts, ranging from $40,000 to $80,000

This distribution ensures that even players who don’t win still earn substantial amounts for their efforts.

High-Paying Tournaments on the Asian Tour

Some tournaments on the Asian Tour feature exceptionally high purses, drawing top talent from around the world. These events tend to offer the largest prize pools and often attract a strong field of competitors.

Notable High-Paying Events:

• Saudi International: With a purse of $5 million, this is one of the highest-paying tournaments on the Asian Tour.
• Hong Kong Open: A long-standing event with a purse of $1 million.
• Thailand Golf Championship: With a purse of $1.75 million, this tournament consistently offers significant rewards for its participants.

Importance of High-Paying Tournaments:

These events are a great opportunity for players to earn significant sums in a relatively short period. Additionally, top finishes in these tournaments can help improve a player’s ranking and sponsorship potential.

How the Purse Influences Player Performance

The Asian Tour purse plays a crucial role in motivating players. Higher purses mean greater financial rewards, which in turn can boost competition levels. Players are not only motivated by the prestige of winning, but by the potential to earn large sums of money that support their careers.

Career Advancement:

Players who consistently perform well and earn a significant portion of the purse can secure sponsorship deals, media attention, and invites to other high-profile events, such as PGA Tour and European Tour events.

Financial Motivation:

Golf is an expensive sport. Players must cover travel costs, training expenses, and equipment. The Asian Tour purse provides the financial backing that helps sustain their careers and keep them competing at the highest level.

The Role of Sponsors in the Asian Tour Purse

Sponsors play a key role in determining the Asian Tour purse for each event. Sponsorship deals fund the prize pool, making it possible for tournaments to offer significant payouts. As the Asian Tour continues to grow, more sponsors are showing interest in backing these events, which could lead to larger purses in the future.

Impact of Sponsorships:

• Increased Prize Pools: Sponsors contribute to larger purses, making tournaments more lucrative.
• Exposure for Brands: Sponsors gain global exposure by aligning with prestigious events like those on the Asian Tour.
• Growth of the Tour: As more sponsorships come on board, the Asian Tour can continue to attract top players and fans from around the world.

Examples of Major Sponsors:

• Bangladesh National Insurance (BNI) is one of the leading sponsors for the BNI Asian Tour.
• Yeangder Group backs the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship, adding credibility and value to the tournament.

Who Are the Top Earners on the Asian Tour?

Some players consistently perform well on the Asian Tour, securing large portions of the purse with each victory. These players are often at the top of the Order of Merit and are recognized for their sustained excellence.

Notable Top Earners:

1. Scott Vincent – With a career prize money of over $1.5 million, Scott Vincent has consistently performed well on the Asian Tour.
2. Jazz Janewattananond – One of the most successful golfers from Thailand, Jazz has accumulated over $2 million in career earnings.
3. Lee Chieh Po – A consistent performer with substantial earnings from multiple high-placing finishes.

These players are able to maintain their positions at the top due to their ability to consistently finish in the top ranks, earning them substantial portions of the Asian Tour purse.

How Does the Asian Tour Purse Compare to Other Tours?

Compared to other major tours, the Asian Tour purse is relatively smaller, but it has been steadily growing. For example, the PGA Tour offers purses of $10 million or more for some of its tournaments, while the European Tour also features events with purses in the multi-million-dollar range.

Comparison:

• PGA Tour: Purses range from $5 million to $15 million.
• European Tour: Purses range from $1.5 million to $7 million.
• Asian Tour: Purses typically range from $1 million to $5 million.

Despite the smaller prize pools, the Asian Tour remains highly competitive and offers players the opportunity to gain international recognition.

FAQs About the Asian Tour Purse

1. How much does the winner earn on the Asian Tour?

The winner typically earns 18-20% of the total prize pool. For example, in a $1 million tournament, the winner may take home $180,000 to $200,000.

2. What tournaments offer the highest purses?

The Saudi International with a $5 million purse and the Hong Kong Open with a $1 million purse are among the highest-paying events.

3. How does the purse impact player rankings?

Prize money earned in tournaments directly affects a player’s ranking on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, which determines eligibility for major events.

4. How are sponsors involved in the purse?

Sponsors fund the Asian Tour purse for each event. Their backing ensures that tournaments can offer substantial prize pools, which attract top players.

Conclusion

The Asian Tour purse is an integral part of the tour’s success and allure. With growing sponsorship support and an increasing number of high-paying tournaments, the financial rewards for players are only getting better. As the tour continues to gain prominence, we can expect to see even bigger purses, attracting more top-tier talent and creating a more competitive environment for both players and fans alike. Whether you’re a golfer or a fan, understanding the purse is key to appreciating the stakes involved in every tournament on the Asian Tour.