Golf: Singapore Open to return in 2016

SINGAPORE - After a three-year absence, the Singapore Open is set to return in 2016 with a new title sponsor and sanctioning partner.

The international golf tournament was last staged in 2012,  and will return from January 28 to 31, 2016 at the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), one of Japan's leading financial institutions, will be the title sponsor.

With a minimum prize purse of US$1 million (S$1.35 million), the SMBC Singapore Open will also entice some of the world's best players to tackle the award winning Serapong Course.

Home to the event from 2005 to 2012, the Serapong Course will once again prove a stern test to Asia Pacific's and the world's best players. Australian star Adam Scott won the event a record three times in 2005, 2006 and 2010.

"Golfing fans in Singapore can once again mark the dates in their calendar in anticipation of our national Open. It makes it more fitting that we are able to announce those dates, exactly one year from when the first ball will be struck in the next edition of our prestigious championship. The Singapore Golf Association (SGA) is grateful to SMBC and World Sport Group for their commitment to the event and I am certain that its tradition of excellence will remain unrivalled," said Mr Bob Tan, President of the SGA.

"The chance for our home talent, both professional and amateur, to test their mettle on a stage such as this only augers well for the development of the game."

The SMBC Singapore Open will feature a field of the top 60 from the Asian Tour, top 60 from the JGTO, top Singapore professionals and amateurs and invites including players from the top 50 in the world.

candicec@sph.com.sg