NEW DELHI: Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur and Digvijay Singh have expressed concern over the decision of the European Tour to "bypass" the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) while announcing the $2.5 million Indian Masters to be held here from February 7 to 10, 2008.

On Monday, the European Tour announced the hosting of the Indian Masters, a move that drew criticism from Kyi Hla Han, executive chairman of the Asian Tour.

Randhawa called the move of the European Tour as "unethical" and said, "we do welcome the event and appreciate that it would help Indian golf in a big way but by not involving the Asian Tour and the PGTI with the event, the European Tour has not respected the protocol that exists between any two Tours."

The reigning Indian Open champion said, "We (the PGTI) are too young as compared to the European Tour. What we are saying is, make us part of the bandwagon. As long as the Asian Tour and the PGTI are made partners in the event, there is no problem. I foresee some meetings with the European Tour officials. I am confident that things will get sorted out."

What if the standoff continues? "Well, the PGTI will meet and decide the course of action," said Randhawa, who along with Kapur and Digvijay, is part of the PGTI Board.

Kapur and Digvijay were more vehement in their observations. "If the PGTI decides to stay away from the event, no Indian professional will play the event," said Kapur, a regular on the European Tour.

"I understand that a $2.5million event in the country is five times bigger than the biggest golf event ever held in the country. Barring a few of us, most Indian players don't get to play in such a big tournament. Still, the prize-money on offer will not be a factor if the PGTI decides to boycott the event. What is unethical is unethical. No question about it. But boycott will the last resort," was how Kapur chose to put it.

Digvijay wondered how the European Tour could ignore the Asian Tour and the PGTI while coming to the sub-continent. "This is unprecedented. A professional golf event coming to the country and the body that runs professional golf in the country is not involved? This makes no sense. After all, PGTI is a players' body and not just a bunch of golf administrators. I am hopeful of a breakthrough soon since the event is still some months away.

Let me also add, if there is a boycott, it will be total," said Digvijay.

Players' interest

Ajay Gupta, the PGTI's Tour Commissioner, said, "It is for the Asian Tour and the European Tour to settle the issue. We, at the PGTI, have the players' interest uppermost on our minds. We will do everything possible to uphold the dignity of PGTI and our members."

With over seven months to go for the mega event, there is time for an amicable settlement. However, without the participation of the Indian and Asian Tour professionals, the event could well end up as a complete disaster.

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