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Big names sign up for $5m Barclays Singapore Open

Five of the biggest names in golf will play in the Barclays Singapore Open in November, organisers confirmed today.

World number two Phil Mickelson from the United States, South African Ernie Els, ranked seventh in the world, Australian Adam Scott, the winner in 2005 and 2006, Korean star Choi Kyung-ju and Darren Clarke from Northern Ireland will compete at Sentosa Golf Club.

The tournament will be played on the Serapong Course from November 13 to 16 and boast prize money of US$5 million – an increase of US$1 million from last year.

“The calibre of the field competing in the Barclays Singapore Open is testament again to the event’s high profile, and we can look forward to more players being announced over the coming weeks,” said Robert Morrice, Chairman and Chief Executive of Barclays Asia.

“Since the Barclays Singapore Open became our key sponsorship in Asia Pacific in 2006 it has proven to be a great platform for building stronger client relationships and raising the profile of our brand in the region,” he added.

The Barclays Singapore Open is a full-field event on the Asian Tour and since it rejoined the schedule in 2005 with a multi-million dollar prize fund it has quickly established itself as one of the biggest and best tournaments in the region.

Angel Cabrera of Argentina, then the reigning US Open champion, held off a spirited challenge from Fiji’s Vijay Singh for a one-shot victory in the Barclays Singapore Open last year.

Before a huge final day gallery that witnessed a thrilling duel between Cabrera and Singh, the Argentine sealed the title with a one-over-par 72 for an eight-under-par 276 winning total.

More marquee names will be announced in the coming weeks and months with players from all over the world eager to play in the Barclays Singapore Open.

“This event has grown year after year on Sentosa. Many key players are returning to face fresh challenges on Serapong with a line up of new stars. Spectators will watch the world’s best at their best as they take on an even tougher game this year.” said Low Teo Ping, Board Member, Sentosa Development Corporation and Vice Captain, Sentosa Golf Club.

“The Barclays Singapore Open has not only put Singapore on the golfing map, it has stamped Sentosa’s presence on the world stage as a premier lifestyle destination and a playground for all leisure activities and sporting events.”

Mickelson competed in last year’s Barclays Singapore Open which marked his first appearance on the Asian Tour. He was unable to feature on the leaderboard but with two wins under his belt this year in the Northern Trust Open and the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, he will once again tee-off as one of the favourites.

Els surprisingly missed the cut by a shot at last year’s Barclays Singapore Open and the three-time Major winner will be keen to show the form that saw him battle Scott for the title in a gripping three-hole play-off in 2006.

World number 15 Scott, winner of the EDS Byron Nelson Championship on the PGA Tour in late April, narrowly missed out on a Barclays Singapore Open three-peat last year finishing in third place.

Choi, who is one place lower than Scott on the rankings, won the Sony Open in Hawaii this year for his seventh title on the US PGA Tour. He also competed in Singapore last year and as Asia’s most successful golfer will return as one of the crowd favourites.

Another popular player will be Clarke who has returned to winnings ways this year claiming the BMW Asian Open and the KLM Dutch Open. He made the trip to Singapore last season and on current form could be among the frontrunners.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said the region’s stars will relish the opportunity of competing against the world’s best players in what is the Tour’s flagship tournament.

“Since making its return in 2005, the stature of the Barclays Singapore Open has risen to unprecedented heights that this great Championship now symbolises the growing strength of Asian golf.

“I would like to pay tribute to Barclays for its title sponsorship and commitment while Sentosa has also been a terrific partner of the Asian Tour where it upgraded its Serapong course and facilities last year to deliver what is truly a world-class Championship.”

August 28, 2008