Johnnie Walker for India

Vijay Singh, world number 12 and former US Masters and US PGA Champion, is to star in the prestigious Johnnie Walker Classic, Asia's premier luxury golf event, which will be played in India for the first time at the DLF Golf & Country Club, New Delhi, from February 28 to March 2, 2008.

Singh will be making his fourth appearance in the Johnnie Walker Classic, which has always attracted a stellar field featuring some of the world's best players. Past winners include: Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Ian Woosnam, Retief Goosen and Adam Scott.

With over 50 victories around the globe, including his first major title in 2000 US Masters, Vijay is also known for his enviable dedication to the game which has kept him amongst the top 20 in the world for over a decade.

Last year he finished in the top five of the PGA Money List for the ninth consecutive season, also winning for the fifth consecutive year, and had the honour of being inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame in October.

“I began my professional career in Asia so I am excited to be returning to my old stamping ground for the Johnnie Walker Classic next year,” commented 44-year-old Singh.

“In the past I have played in the Johnnie Walker Super Tour, but I particularly enjoy playing in the Johnnie Walker Classic as it always boasts a top field of international players, including the cream of Asian golf, played on some of Asia’s finest championship courses. I've played the DLF course before and I know how good it is, so I'm sure we will be in for a great week's golf topped off by some wonderful Johnnie Walker entertainment off the course.”

First played in Hong Kong in 1990, the Johnnie Walker Classic broke new ground by not only being the first tournament to be jointly sanctioned by the European, Asian and Australasian golf Tours, but also by being unique in that the event has been played in seven countries and at 12 golf clubs over the past 16 years.

The 2008 Johnnie Walker Classic has also gained the all-important support of the PGTI, the Professional Golfers Tour India.

“The decision to hold the Johnnie Walker Classic in India for the first time means we will be further adding to the magnificent history of one of Asia’s most established, celebrated and popular golf events,” commented Ben Anderson, Global Brand Director for Johnnie Walker.

“Furthermore we are delighted that Vijay has committed himself to playing in the 17th edition of the Johnnie Walker Classic at such an early stage and look forward to confirming many more top international golfers in the coming months to ensure that our event continues its tradition of attracting a high calibre field of players,” Anderson concluded.

Situated in the new DLF City bordering the gently rolling Aravalli Hills, the 7,176 yard DLF championship golf course was designed by golfing legend, Arnold Palmer, and was officially opened in late 1999. A manicured parkland course boasts five lakes, waterfalls and signature Palmer white-sand bunkers.

“DLF is extremely proud to be the host club to the Johnnie Walker Classic which is recognised as one of the top tournaments in international golf and we are working towards providing a very exciting, challenging and fun-packed experience for the players,” said Aakash Ohri, General Manager of the DLF Golf & Country Club. “We look forward to welcoming not only Vijay to our club, but professionals from all over the world including some of the very best of our own local players.”

Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour, said, “The Asian Tour welcomes the decision to bring the Johnnie Walker Classic to India for the first time in the tournament’s colourful history. The prestigious event is unique in that it is staged annually at different and exciting venues across the Asia Pacific region and this fits perfectly with the Johnnie Walker philosophy of “KEEP WALKING”. “India is an exciting and growing destination for professional golf and I’m confident the event will create a wonderful buzz for our players and golf fans.”

George O'Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: "We are delighted that India will become the seventh different country to host the Johnnie Walker Classic since it became a tri-sanctioned event in 1992.

"Our Members always enjoy the style and flair which Johnnie Walker brings to their tournament and in the Arnold Palmer-designed DLF Golf & Country Club we have a high quality golf course which will ensure another outstanding edition of the Johnnie Walker Classic."

A number of star players who will be joining Vijay Singh in the line-up will be announced at a press conference in October in New Delhi, which will host the Commonwealth Games in 2010 as well as the first ever Formula 1 race in India in the same year.

The Johnnie Walker Classic offers prize money of £1.25m (US$2.5m).

September 25, 2007