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Singapore Open introduces regional qualifying

Organisers of Asia’s richest national Open – the Barclays Singapore Open – today announced plans to hold the tournament’s first overseas regional qualifier in Japan.

A first for any tournament in Asia to hold qualifiers outside its host country, the regional qualifier is a testament to the growing international appeal of the Barclays Singapore Open as golfers vie for a spot in the stellar field. To be held on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club on November 1-4, the overall purse for this year is a record US$4 million – an increase of US$1 million from last year.

The qualifier in Japan will be held on October 1st at the Shinyo Country Club near Nagoya. A qualifier will also be held in Singapore on Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club from October 29-30. A total of 10 slots will be up for grabs - a minimum of two qualifying places will be available through the Japan qualifier and a further eight places will be accessible through the Singapore qualifier.

Golfers who earn a spot in the field will have to contend with a line-up of international golfing stars. Two-time defending champion, world number four, Australian Adam Scott will be back, hoping to perform a rare hat-trick of wins at the tournament. He will once again be up against the ‘Big Easy’, former world number one and two-time US Open winner Ernie Els, currently ranked world number five, who is returning in a bid to claim the title that has so far eluded him. Making his debut in the tournament is world number six, Vijay Singh, former Masters winner, and two-time PGA Championship winner. The line-up is further strengthened by former US Open winner Michael Campbell who famously held off Tiger Woods to clinch the 2005 title at Pinehurst No.2 and Ryder Cup hero and stalwart of the European Tour, Darren Clarke. Also competing will be one of Asia’s leading players, Shingo Katayama from Japan. His distinctive cowboy hat drew as much attention as his strong showing in last year’s championship.

The attendance of both Vijay Singh and Michael Campbell is however subject to official release from the European Tour.

Graham Bell, Chairman of the Barclays Singapore Open organising committee said, “We set out to make the Barclays Singapore Open a true Open. Holding the first-ever qualifier outside of Singapore takes us a step further in that direction. With a stellar line-up, a new and improved Serapong Course, an even bigger prize purse of US$4 million and great partners that make it happen, this year’s Barclays Singapore Open will set new benchmarks for the tournament.”

Adam Scott will find himself entering unfamiliar territory this year as he returns to defend his title on the Serapong Course. The award-winning course has undergone a S$12 million revamp in both course design and greens technology, incorporating SubAir and PermOPore greens maintenance technology to boost a new configuration and bunker complexes, as well as faster and more challenging greens. Course yardage has also been lengthened from 6,565 to 6,710 yards from the championship tees.

Part of the renovations include plans to enhance the viewing experience for golfing fans as they join in the action throughout the four-day tournament. The new Serapong Pavilion, a new single-storey structure overlooking the 9th and 18th holes of the course is under construction to allow panoramic views up and down the adjoining fairways. Intended for members during normal days, it will host the players’ lounge and Barclays’ hospitality venue during the tournament. In anticipation of the massive crowd at the 2007 event, extra stands, buggy paths and bridges have been widened to improve the circulation of public galleries.

Robert Bird, Executive Director of Sentosa Golf Club said, “As the host venue for the Barclays Singapore Open, we are determined to ensure that the Serapong course and facilities at Sentosa Golf Club keep pace with the growing prestige and status of the tournament. Winning the honour of being voted by Asian Tour players as the ‘Host Venue of the Year 2006’, we’re constantly looking at ways to improve the experience for both golfers and spectators at the Barclays Singapore Open”.

These investments in the new course and facilities are also in line with the club’s long-term strategic plans to enhance the golfing experience for members and to position the club as the premier golfing destination in Asia.

June 27, 2007