Leading golfers from Europe and Asia will compete in a new team tournament, The Royal Trophy, to be played at Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand from January 5-8, 2006.

Former Ryder Cup captain Seve Ballesteros has already been confirmed as Europe's non-playing skipper.

Each team will comprise eight players competing in a series of 16 matches involving foursomes, fourballs and singles.

The total prize fund is £822,000 with the winning team sharing £550,000 and the losers sharing £275,000.

"Team golf is something very special and incredibly exciting," said Ballesteros, who was forced to step down as captain of Continental Europe in next week's Seve Trophy through injury.

"Many of the great moments in my career have happened at The Ryder Cup.

"As a player and captain, these are truly unforgettable moments where you are competing not only for yourself, but also your team-mates, your country and for the people of your continent.

"The feeling of pride is incredible and the tension is unimaginable."

The European team will comprise the top two eligible players on the Order of Merit on October 31, 2005 and the leading four eligible players on the world rankings on November 7.

The captain's two wild cards will be determined by December 19.