APGC Chairman Expresses Pride and Honour

Islamabad, Pakistan: Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Chairman Taimur Hassan Amin has expressed the confederation’s pride and honour at its association with the Asia-Pacific Open Diamond Cup.

In his message published in the tournament programme for this week’s event at Sagamihara Golf Club’s East Course in Kanagawa Prefecture, Amin wrote: “For more than 50 years, the APGC has been a prominent organisation in world golf, responsible for running major international amateur championships in the region and promoting golf.

“We are especially proud and honoured of our association with the Asia-Pacific Open Diamond Cup and very much look forward to seeing the leading Japanese amateurs in action this week.

“Led by Keita Nakajima and Ren Yonezawa they will, I’m sure, savour the chance to test themselves against the professionals.”

Supported by the APGC and co-sanctioned by the Japan Golf Tour Organisation and the Asian Tour, the event is one of the Japan Golf Association’s (JGA) four National Championships.

Last year’s edition was called off due to the coronavirus.

Amin said: “With the health, safety and well-being of players, officials and organisers of paramount importance, it was with a heavy heart that the decision was made to cancel last year’s Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Diamond Cup Golf.

“While many challenges remain in regard to running events, it’s been agreed to proceed with this prestigious tournament this year, albeit with strict protocols in place.

“The Covid-19 pandemic continues to touch every part of our lives. After a devastating 2020 all around the world, we were hoping for a more stable 2021. Clearly, however, we still have a considerable way to go before we beat this horrible disease.

“From the Chairman and the APGC Board, our very best wishes to the Japan Golf Association for a successful tournament, and our appreciation for the extra precautions that have been taken to ensure this event can be conducted, against great odds.”

Amin took the opportunity to thank the event’s other partners.

He said: “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mitsubishi Corporation, Kansai Telecasting Corporation and the Japan Golf Association for co-hosting this championship in these difficult times. Thanks also to the Japan Golf Tour Organisation and the Asian Tour for the support they continue to lend to leading amateurs of APGC member countries.

“Special appreciation goes to The R&A, who have graciously awarded the winner of the Asia-Pacific Open Diamond Cup an exemption for direct participation to the Open Championship, the 2021 edition of which will be held at Royal St George’s in England from July 15-18.”

The Asia-Pacific Open Diamond Cup Golf is part of the APGC’s portfolio of events that also includes the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific, Nomura Cup, Queen Sirikit Cup, APGC Senior Championship, APGC Junior Championship Mitsubishi Corporation Cup, Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy.