McIlroy, Ishikawa and Lee set to play Kolon Hana Bank Korea Open

The three most exciting young golfers in the game today, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa, and Danny Lee from New Zealand will compete in this year’s US$1 million Kolon Hana Bank Korea Open.

In a massive bonus for golf fans in the region, the three players will compete at Woo Jeung Hills Golf Club, near Seoul, from September from 10 to 13 in an event that forms the second leg of the newly launched OneAsia.

Defending champion Bae Sang-moon from Korea, and China’s Liang Wenchong, will also play in the prestigious tournament, which is now in its 52nd year.

News of McIlroy (world ranked 29), Ishikawa (59) and Lee (114) competing is a tremendous boost to the new circuit that will stage five events this year and between 12 to 15 next season.

OneAsia was launched in April at the US$2.2 million Volvo China Open – where victory went to Australian Scott Strange.

McIlroy, aged 20, has taken the professional game by storm since turning professional in 2007. A string of stunning performances, including runner up finishes in the European Masters and Hong Kong Open, eventually culminated in victory in this year’s Dubai Desert Classic.

Ishikawa’s rise to fame has been just as sensational. In 2007, he became the youngest winner ever of a men’s regular tournament on the Japan Golf Tour by winning the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup as a 15 year old amateur. He turned professional in 2008 and has since won three more titles including two this year aged 17.

Completing the great triumvirate of golf prodigies is Lee, who made history this year by becoming the youngest winner of a European Tour event. As an 18 year old amateur he was victorious in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Australia.

Last year Lee also became the youngest winner of the US Amateur Championship, erasing Tiger Woods from the record books. The Kiwi, who is now 19, was born in South Korea and emigrated to New Zealand when he was eight.

The participation of these players is in keeping with the Korea Open’s tradition of attracting world class players. Some of the former champions include Fiji’s Vijay Singh (2007), John Daly from the United States (2003) and Spaniard Sergio Garcia (2002).

Korea’s most successful golfer of all time Choi Kyung-ju lifted the trophy in 1996 and 1999.

The Kolon Hana Bank Korea Open leads off the swing of four end of year events on OneAsia:

Kolon Hana Bank Korea Open: US$1,000,000, 10 – 13 September
Midea China Classic: US$500,000, 15 – 18 October
Australian Open: US$1,200,000, 3 – 6 December
Australian PGA Championship: US$1,200,000, 10 – 13 December

August 13, 2009

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