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Volvo Chief has great memories of Indian wins
Pyatt was on helm for more than 10 years during which Volvo Masters of Asia and Volvo China Open have become huge events on Asian Tour, had some very nice words for Indian golfers.
Mel Pyatt, the driving force behind Volvo's huge involvement in Asian golf, is stepping down from his position as president and chief executive officer of Volvo Event Management after this week's Volvo Masters of Asia.
Pyatt, who has been at the helm for more than 10 years during which Volvo Masters of Asia and Volvo China Open have become huge events on Asian Tour, had some very nice words for Indian golfers.
"This year Jeev Milkha Singh was such a huge success as the defending champion at the Volvo Masters (of Europe) in Valderrama," said Pyatt.
Pyatt's trademark has been a personal gift to each player at every Volvo event and he makes it a point to wish each and every player at the first tee of all Volvo-sponsored events.
During Pyatt's tenure Indians have had a great run at Volvo events. Jyoti Randhawa and Shiv Kapur won the Volvo Masters of Asia in 2004 and 2005 respectively, while Jeev Milkha Singh won the Volvo China Open and Volvo Masters of Europe in 2006.
Putra Nadiah, Tournament Administration Manager, handed over a commemorative plaque to Pyatt on behalf of the Asian Tour at Thai Country Club.
Gerry Norquist, the Asian Tour's Senior Vice President, said that Pyatt had done more than any other single person to help grow the game in Asia.
"He has contributed so much to the development of golf in China, Malaysia, Thailand and elsewhere through Volvo's sponsorships," he said.
"On behalf of all the players and staff, I want to thank you Mel for the support you have given Asian golf down through the years. It is much appreciated."
"The general camaraderie here on the Asian Tour, amongst all different cultures and nations is fabulous," said Pyatt, whose association with Asian golf began in Malaysia in 1994.
On Tuesday, there was a match between Players and Officials, which was halved at three and a half points each. The match is played for the Mel Pyatt Trophy, so named as a mark of his contribution to Asian golf.
