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Published on January 6, 2008

The first edition of the competition, also held at Amata Spring Country Club in January 2006, was billed as a 'history-making event'.  The Royal Trophy is a unique, emotionally-charged and passionate competition played between the continents of Europe and Asia in a team matchplay format.

The Royal Trophy features eight-player teams from Europe and Asia respectively, each led by a non-playing captain. The two continental teams compete for stewardship over the Royal Trophy - graciously donated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The three-day competition features a total of sixteen matches including foursomes, four-ball matches and singles.

The legendary Seve Ballesteros has been confirmed as captain of the European Team for this third edition of the Royal Trophy.

Naomichi 'Joe' Ozaki, a member of Asia's greatest golfing dynasty, will lead Asia's campaign to wrest the Royal Trophy from European hands. The 'Japanese golfing great', one of Asia's most successful players will captain the Asian Team to take on the Seve Ballesteros-led Europeans.

Perceived by many as the greatest European golfer ever, Ballesteros is the winner of five Major titles and 87 professional career tournaments. He played in three winning Ryder Cup teams and captained one of the most famous victories in 1997 at Valderrama - the first time the Ryder Cup was held outside of the US and the British Isles.