ASIAN GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Jeev re-enters world top 50 Super Singh claims Barclays Jeev can overhaul Brown for OoM Sergio Garcia is new world no. 2 Garcia takes HSBC in a playoff Asian Tour releases 2009 schedule Report predicts 30% China golf growth GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Singh holds off major champions to win Stanford wins Lorena Ochoa Invitational Singh re-enters the World Top 50 Ballesteros likely to leave intensive care PGA Tour releases 2009 schedule

Barclays bank on Singapore Open sponsorship

The Singapore Open reached another milestone today with the announcement of a title sponsor, Barclays. One of the world’s largest financial institutions and sponsor of premier sporting events around the world, Barclays has committed to a five-year sponsorship of the US$3 million Singapore Open, Asia’s richest national Open.

The Barclays Singapore Open, which takes place from September 7-10, is also set for a star-studded field with three-time Major champion Ernie Els leading the player line-up in the full-field Asian Tour event.

Ranked sixth in the world, the South African will compete against defending champion, Adam Scott of Australia (9th); 11-time European Tour winner, Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke (19th); Argentinean Angel Cabrera (26th); Japan’s Shingo Katayama (46th) and Briton Lee Westwood (52nd) who finished second in last year’s Singapore Open.

Els has played professional golf for 16 years and won three majors - the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and The Open Championship in 2002. He is a two-time winner of the European Tour Order of Merit in 2003 and 2004. Els also became the only man in history to win the World Matchplay Championship for the sixth time in 2004.

Already ranked among the top-10 richest national Opens in the world, organisers of The Barclays Singapore Open have pledged to increase the prize money to US$4 million in 2007 and US$5 million in 2008. Dates for the event next year have also been confirmed for November 1-4, 2007.

“Barclays' sponsorship of the Singapore Open is a significant milestone for sports in Singapore,” said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports. “It is a massive private sector boost to our sports industry, and a strong endorsement of Singapore’s capabilities as a regional hub for hosting world-class sporting events. I hope other institutions will follow Barclays lead in riding this exciting growth phase of Singapore's sports industry.”

Said Graham Bell, Chairman, Singapore Open, “We’re extremely proud to have Barclays on board as title sponsor of The Singapore Open. The company we keep has always set The Singapore Open apart from other sporting events and reflects its aspiration to be the ‘Major of Asia’. With a field of exciting world-class players, premier sponsors and an attractive prize purse, The Barclays Singapore Open continues to raise the bar for Asian golf.

“With a five-year sponsorship of Asia’s richest US$3 million national Open and plans to increase the prize purse even further, The Barclays Singapore Open marks the largest sports sponsorship in Singapore’s history and will rank The Barclays Singapore Open among the world’s top national Opens, ” he added.

Robert Morrice, Chairman of Barclays in Asia said, “Barclays has had a presence in Singapore since 1973, and over the past two years we have more than tripled the number of people we employ in this country to over 1,000. Our support for one of Asia’s best golf tournaments is a major strategic investment that underlies our long-term commitment to Singapore and Asia Pacific. It also continues our strong association with golf through our title sponsorship of the Barclays Scottish Open and the Barclays Classic in the United States.

“Golf has a wide following in the region and continues to grow in popularity as Asian golfers make their mark on the international field. Title sponsorship of the Barclays Singapore Open offers powerful brand visibility in Asia and a platform to engage our clients,” he added.

At the press conference, Asian Tour Chief Executive Louis Martin said the lead role taken by The Barclays Singapore Open would further raise the benchmark for professional golf in the region and also reinforce calls for the Championship to become the Major of Asia. "The association with Barclays is a terrific boost for the Singapore Open and it underlines the growing confidence placed on the Asian Tour," said Martin.

"This groundbreaking announcement will further propel The Barclays Singapore Open into one of the world’s top events and I have no doubt that it will take on the premier position as the Major of Asia. On behalf of the Asian Tour, I would like to thank Sentosa Leisure Group for their commitment and initiatives in reviving the Singapore Open last year and welcome Barclays on board as the new title sponsor.

"Barclays is a wonderful supporter of golf on a global level where it also sponsors other prestigious championships such as the Barclays Scottish Open and Barclays Classic. I have every confidence that its long-term support and vision will ensure that The Singapore Open continues to prosper with world-class players providing world-class entertainment. I am equally delighted that this event will also help us to realise our own goals in promoting the game in Asia, and to further create earning opportunities for our members. These are exciting times indeed."

Commenting on Barclays title sponsorship, Executive Director for Financial Centre Development at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Mr Ng Nam Sin said, "Barclays is among the largest foreign financial institutions in Singapore and continues to expand its presence. We are glad to see that Barclays has also made notable contributions to other areas such as support for education and sporting events."

The Barclays Singapore Open marks the financial institution’s first major sports sponsorship in Asia. In addition to golf, Barclays also sponsors a number of world-class sporting events and personalities including the Barclays English Premier League, the world’s most watched football league, and England cricketer Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff.

The Barclays Singapore Open Qualifying Round will be held on Monday, September 4. Open to scratch amateur golfers regardless of gender and professionals active on the Asian Tour, the Qualifying Round will remain true to guidelines by the R&A (Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews). A minimum of five places at the championships will be allocated through the qualifiers, where entry forms will be available on the Asian Tour website www.asiantour.com.

To be played on the panoramic Serapong course in Sentosa from September 7-10, The Barclays Singapore Open will take place alongside the Forbes Global CEO Conference from 4-5 September 2006. The delegates from the conference have the unique opportunity to play with The Singapore Open pros on September 6 before the golf tournament takes place.

“Barclays' sponsorship of the Singapore Open is a great way to commence the first year of the Forbes Global CEO Conference, which will be held alongside the golf tournament. Last year’s Singapore Open gave prominence to Sentosa and Singapore internationally. This year’s event promises an exceptional experience and will garner an unprecedented level of global attention and prestige,” said Darrell Metzger, Chief Executive Officer, Sentosa Leisure Group.

The Barclays Singapore Open

The Barclays Singapore Open will once again be held on Sentosa’s par-71 Serapong championship course from September 7-10, 2006, before moving to November 1-4 in 2007. Leading international and Asian golfers will vie for the US$3 million prize purse, Asia’s richest national Open. In 2005, Serapong’s long rough proved to be a severe challenge. Nonetheless, world number seven Adam Scott won the tournament with a strong seven-stroke lead to finish 13-under-par 271 [70-69-67-65].

The Singapore Open was revived in 2005 and held on Sentosa after a three-year break. The corporate sector rallied round to ensure the resurrection of the blue riband event first played in 1961. In addition to Barclays, the tournament has attracted support from corporate partners Mercedes Benz, Shangri-la, Heineken and Forbes. Other partners include Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Economic Development Board, Singapore Sports Council and Singapore Pools.

May 23, 2006