BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand will host the first Ryder Cup-style golf tournament between Asia and Europe next year.
The US$1.5 million Royal Trophy tournament will run January 5-8 at the sporting club in suburban, event promoters Entertainment Group Limited said.

Five-time Ryder Cup winner Seve Ballesteros will be non-playing captain for the eight-strong Europe team.

"We will have a great team representing Europe. This is our pride and competitive spirit on the line," he said.

The first two players to qualify for the European team will be selected according to the European Tour rankings while the first two players to qualify for the Asia team will be selected on world rankings.

The final players are expected to announced mid December.

Thailand will organise the tournament for the first five years.