India to stage new European Tour event in February

India will host a new European Tour event in February, the Avantha Masters in New Delhi worth 1.5 million euros ($2.15 million).

It will be the first tournament of a joint venture between the European Tour and the Asian Tour, to be known as EurAsia Golf. The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the other partner in the tri-sanctioned event.

"We are delighted to be returning to New Delhi ... for the first event in our new collaboration with the Asian Tour, under the EurAsia banner, and the PGTI," European Tour chief executive George O'Grady said in a news release on Tuesday.

O'Grady added that a three-year deal has been agreed for the Avantha Masters.

The European Tour paid two visits to New Delhi in February 2008, for the Indian Masters and the Johnnie Walker Classic. Both events were also tri-sanctioned with the Asian Tour and PGTI.

The Avantha Masters will be played at the Arnold Palmer-designed DLF Golf and Country Club from February 11-14.

"We believe this new tournament will maintain India's terrific growth in the game," said Asian Tour executive chairman Kyi Hla Han.

"We certainly believe the Avantha Masters will greatly impact the game in India and Asia."