South Korean Yang Yong-eun and Spaniard Jos Maria Olazbal will lead their respective Asian and European teams at the next edition of The Royal Trophy Dec. 20-22 at Dragon Lake Golf Club in Guangzhou, China, according to the organizer.

“I am committed to building a very strong team for our continent’s defense of the Royal Trophy. I will do my utmost to retain stewardship of the Trophy in Asia and look forward to the matches with great excitement and anticipation,” said Yang, the winner of the 2009 U.S. PGA Championship.

Asia is the defender of the Royal Trophy having prevailed over the Europeans in the last edition of the competition in a dramatic and emotional playoff, with Koreans Yang and Kim Kyung-tae defeating European Ryder Cup stars Francesco Molinari and Nicolas Colsaerts in the Sultanate of Brunei.

“Last year’s edition of the Royal Trophy was tremendously competitive and we secured the victory in a playoff. I am certain that the Europeans will compete fiercely once again as there is great pride at stake, but we will be fully prepared to confront them with the greatest energy and perseverance,” said the Korean golf superstar.

Yang has represented Asia at the Royal Trophy twice as a player. He assumes the Asian captaincy following 35-tournament title winner Naomichi “Joe” Ozaki’s historic five-year run as leader.

Ozaki’s leadership featured two highly celebrated Asian victories. Jos Maria Olazbal has captained the European team twice, including last year’s tournament, but is yet to produce a victory for his continent.

“To win the Royal Trophy for Europe would be extremely rewarding, especially as this event had a great meaning to my great friend Seve Ballesteros,” said the two-time Masters winner and legendary European Ryder Cup captain and player.

“And to lead the European team as captain once again is very special and we will play very hard to win the Royal Trophy for Europe.”

“The latest edition of the Royal Trophy was spectacular and showcased the very best of team golf, including passion, emotion and enormous competitiveness. Jos Maria Olazbal is an outstanding captain and player and Yang stands with the golf stature of a major winner.

“The next edition of the Royal Trophy to be played at Dragon Lake Golf Club promises to be phenomenal,” said Lincoln Venancio, the Royal Trophy’s co-managing director.


By Philip Iglauer
(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)