Late last year, we reported on the Hong Kong-leg of the World Corporate Golf Challenge (WCGC) to be hosted by the Discovery Bay Golf Club on Friday March 5, 2010.  The winner of this leg will represent Hong Kong at the finals of the WCGC to be played back home at the stunning Fancourt & OuBaai Golf Clubs between 3-8 May 2010.

Today we can proudly add that South African golfing-legend-turned-winemaker David Frost has decided to contribute to the success of the Hong Kong-leg of the World Corporate Golf Challenge by supplying the tournament with his exclusive range of wines.

The South African great – winner of more than 20 titles worldwide – has combined his golf career with a hugely successful wine producing business in his homeland.

In addition, to aid the development of the game in under-privileged communities, Frost donates R1 of every bottle sold to the Raymond Ackerman Golf Academy.

 PGA player David Frost enjoying the fruits of his (other) labour (Pic: David Frost)

Now his Hong Kong importer, WINE2U.com.hk has been unveiled as the Official Wine Supplier of the WCGC Hong Kong.  “We are very proud to present exclusively to the World Corporate Golf Challenge Hong Kong the range of David Frost wines, a natural connection between the game of golf, business and fine wines,” said Ruth Sellers, of WINE2U. 

Frost grew up on his family’s wine farm near Stellenbosch and it was through earning pocket money picking grapes that he bought his first set of golf clubs. He went on to enjoy a stellar career, collecting 10 US PGA Tour titles and winning the 1994 Hong Kong Open. 

He and his brother Michel bought a 300-acre wine farm near Paarl in 1994 and began producing the David Frost Signature Series, with each vintage named after a famous golfer. 

The WCGC Hong Kong will be held on Friday, 5 March at Discovery Bay Golf Club. Twenty teams – comprising four players who each have a maximum handicap of 24 – will take part. 

The winning team will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to the WCGC World Final in South Africa from 3-8 May during which they will also be given a guided tour of Frost’s wine estate. 

Companies wishing to register a team – only one member of the team needs to be a full-time employee of the company – should call Amy Broomhead on 3579 8110 or email amy@laxtonmarketing.com.

Contact the aptly-named Ruth Sellers at Wine2U.com.hk  for David Frost’s signature range of wines like the great Shiraz below:

One always hears about company executives bragging about ”doing deals on the golf course.”  Well, this time around it gets serious… really serious.  Or as they say back home: SERI-AAAAS!

Howzit-HongKong recently learned that, in the crowded world of international golf, there is a World Corporate Golf Challenge that pits the best of the best executives from companies all over the world for the honour of representing their company and region at the biggy… the finals of the World Corporate Golf Challenge at the Fancourt Links in South Africa nogal!

For your information:

The Links at Fancourt was added to the Fancourt estate in 2000, and is an awe-inspiring example of magnificent design and golf-course construction, about which designer Gary Player says: “Links golf is how the game originated and at The Links we take golfers back to the roots of golf – and they can play a ‘British Open’ all of their own!” 

South Africa’s other famous international golfer, Ernie “The Big Easy” Els has a home close by, while George also plays host to the South African leg of the International Rugby Board’s World Sevens Rugby Series in December every year.

The winners of the Hong Kong edition of the World Corporate Golf Challenge will travel to the magnificent George region to play golf, and represent Hong Kong at the finest course in South Africa.

So all you golf-loving business executives out there in the SAR, here’s your chance to represent your company – and Hong Kong – on the world stage.

The territory is to host a leg of the World Corporate Golf Challenge – the prestigious inter-companies tournament that each year sees thousands of businessmen around the globe transfer their boardroom battles to the fairways.

The fantastic prize on offer to the winners of the Hong Kong event is an all-expenses paid trip to play in the World Final in South Africa next May.

Twenty teams – comprising four players who each have a maximum handicap of 24 – will contest the WCGC Hong Kong on Friday, 5 March 2010 at the Discovery Bay Golf Club on Lantau Island.

“Corporate golfers in Hong Kong have been crying out for a meaningful and high-profile tournament that carries a real incentive to play well,” said Simon Wait, project director of event organisers Two Up Front.

“This goes way beyond your typical corporate golf event. As well as enjoying an ultra-competitive tournament at one of the most picturesque courses in Asia, the teams will be playing for a fantastic prize – the chance to represent Hong Kong in a world tournament at an exotic location.

“Initial interest from the corporate sector is very strong and we are expecting a rush of entries from companies keen to claim bragging rights on the golf course.

“Moreover, this will be an annual event for the Hong Kong business community to look forward to and, as word spreads, we expect it to become even more popular, especially as the World Final is regularly moved to a new location.”

Previous World Finals have been held in Jamaica, Mauritius, Malaysia and Spain.

The 2010 World Final – featuring teams from more than 20 countries and territories – will take place at the beautiful Fancourt and Oubaai Golf Clubs in South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route region from 3-8 May 2010.

The WCGC Hong Kong already has its first sponsor – organisers have reached agreement with HK Golfer to be the Official Golf Magazine of the tournament.

Hong Kong-based sports PR and publishing specialists Two Up Front have secured a long-term licence to host the Hong Kong leg from the WCGC’s parent company in Spain.

They are co-organising the tournament with event management company Laxton Marketing Consultants, who have offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. The two firms have previously worked together on other high profile sporting events, including the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens and the Hong Kong Tens rugby tournament.

Companies requiring information about sponsorship opportunities or wishing to register a team in the WCGC Hong Kong should call Amy Broomhead on 3579 8110 or email amy@laxtonmarketing.com.

Make the boss proud and enter.

New champion Grégory Bourdy ended up soaked in champagne, but organisers of last week’s UBS Hong Kong Open also had plenty of reasons to celebrate. 

Grégory Bourdy hugs his caddy after winning the UBS Hong Kong Open as his fellow French players and supporters, led by Raphaël Jacquelin, spray him with champagne. (Pic: Paul Lakatos/UBS Hong Kong Open)

The best field in the tournament’s history, four days of thrilling golf, the first ever French winner and intriguing subplots involving the European Tour’s Race To Dubai and Asian Tour’s Order of Merit – it was a week to savour. 

Fans lucky enough to be at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling saw an impeccable display from the ice-cool Bourdy, who expertly negotiated the tight par-70 layout with rounds of 64, 67, 63 and 67 for a winning total of 19-under-par 261. 

He was especially impressive on the final day when brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy, backed by a huge following, applied some serious pressure on the back nine.  So assured was Bourdy that, when he calmly parred the final hole, his winning two-shot margin marked the first time since 2002 that the champion had won by more than a single stroke. 

“We didn’t get the heart-stopping finish that UBS Hong Kong Open fans have grown used to, but it was still a wonderful finale,” said Martin Capstick, managing director of event promoters Parallel Media Group.  “It is a long time since a player has strung together four absolutely immaculate rounds like that at Fanling. Bourdy hardly made a mistake all week and he was a truly deserving winner.” 

While Bourdy’s fellow French players and supporters ran on to the green to spray him in champagne, Fanling was also acclaiming its people’s champion in McIlroy. 

Rory McIlroy speaks to the media after concluding his 2009 challenge (Pic: Mike Jansen)

The Northern Irish youngster – now runner-up two years in a row – lit up the tournament with some incredible shot-making and was threatening to pull off an amazing comeback until a momentum-stopping bogey at the 17th ended his charge.  “With his displays the past two years, the Hong Kong fans have taken McIlroy to their hearts and he has said many times that he adores coming here – he likes the city and he loves the course,” said Capstick. 

“He is a charismatic player and has a great rapport with the fans. We are obviously hopeful he will return because it is clearly a tournament he enjoys very much.” 

McIlroy at least had the consolation of overtaking Lee Westwood at the top of the Race To Dubai standings, his season earnings of €2,538,449 giving him a lead of €128,173 over his English rival.  The Race To Dubai – in which only the top 60 qualified for this week’s season-ending Dubai World Championship – spiced up the final day at Fanling with players scrambling to book their place. 

Lee Westwood speaks to the media before Round 1 (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Bourdy’s victory moved him up to 47 and secured his spot, but Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen, who needed to finish first or second, ended up joint third and just missed out. 

Liang Wenchong’s 11th place in the UBS Hong Kong Open moved the Chinese star from 60 to 57 and confirmed his trip to the Middle East but 11th was not quite good enough for Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke, who found himself marooned at 61 on the money list. 

“The Race To Dubai certainly gave the UBS Hong Kong Open an added dimension as even those golfers well down the field still had something to play for,” said Capstick.  “It turned the global spotlight on Hong Kong even more than usual and that can only be good for the tournament.” 

A significant day for the Asian Tour as well saw Thai icon Thongchai Jaidee clinch an unprecedented third Order of Merit crown ahead of Liang.  “It was another hugely successful UBS Hong Kong Open and our sincere thanks go to the sponsors, the Hong Kong Golf Club, the Hong Kong Golf Association and all the officials and volunteers who helped make it happen,” said Capstick. 

“We also offer our sincere gratitude to the fans, who again turned up in fantastic numbers and, as always, behaved impeccably.  “The challenge, as ever, is to improve the event for next year. The work has already started.”

2009 UBS HK Open Champions Gregory Bourdy with the tournament spoils (Pic: Mike Jansen)

See you in Fanling in 2010!

Grégory Bourdy held off a hard charging Rory McIlroy to win the UBS Hong Kong Open by two shots on Sunday (15 November). 

The Frenchman carded a polished three-under-par 67 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling to finish on 19-under 261 for the tournament.  Northern Irish youngster McIlroy showed flashes of his prodigious talent in compiling a 64, but fell just short in the US$2.5 million showpiece for the second year in a row. 

“It’s great, I had a fantastic week,” said a champagne-soaked Bourdy, 27. “It’s my best golf week, best golf day today. I played very consistent. I missed a few putts at the start of the round but I stayed confident.

“It’s my mother’s birthday today so I dedicate this to her. My girlfriend Anabelle is here also and everything went right.”

“I was relaxed today and all week. I was so confident. I tried to enjoy all my shots, all my rounds and did it. I missed just a few shots this week. I can’t believe it was so nice to play like this.”

 A triumphant Bourdy poses with the UBS HK Open trophy in the fading Fanling light (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Bourdy, the overnight leader by two shots, was unflappable down the stretch, picking up birdies at the 10th and 13th and calmly playing the final five holes to par. 

McIlroy, 20, roared on by the galleries, did his best to put Bourdy under pressure and closed the gap to one shot with consecutive birdies at the 15th and 16th.  But a three-putt bogey at the 17th took the wind out of his sails and Bourdy arrived at Fanling’s notoriously difficult final hole with a two-shot cushion. 

Bourdy collected the winner’s cheque for US$416,660 and enjoyed the bonus of leaping into the top 60 on the European Tour’s Race To Dubai, thereby qualifying for next week’s season-ending Dubai World Championship, “I wanted to stay focused on my game, play shot by shot, and I knew if I was three or four-under it would be OK to win the tournament,” said Bourdy.

“I didn’t look at the leaderboard until the 18th so I didn’t know Rory played well. I was three-under after 14 holes and it was nice to finish with a par on the 18th as it’s a tough hole. 

Unfortunately for the Frenchman, there was little time to soak up the Hong Kong adoration and celebrate his victory as he immediately jetted out of the SAR to Dubai for next week’s Dubai World Championship. 

“Dubai was the target before I played here. I knew if I won I’d go to Dubai but first was to play well today and win the UBS Hong Kong Open. I’ve played well, won and I’m going to Dubai, so I have everything.”

The victory was Bourdy’s third European Tour title after victories in the 2007 Mallorca Classic and the Open de Portugal last year. 

 A disappointed McIlroy speaks to the media after his final round at FanLing (Pic: Mike Jansen)

McIlroy – joint runner-up in the UBS Hong Kong Open a year ago after losing a three-way playoff to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen Tang – was forced to settle for second best again. 

But he could take consolation in the fact that he overtook Lee Westwood at the top of the Race To Dubai standings.  World No.17 McIlroy, who earned US$277,770 for his second place, refused to be too downhearted and paid tribute to the winner.

“I played lovely, really, really well,” he said. “I thought I needed a low one and went out with the mindset that if I went lower than 65 then I might have a chance, but Grégory obviously played very well. 

“If I’d birdied one of the last two holes I might have given myself a chance, so that’s the way it goes. I’m a bit disappointed at the moment but I have the consolation of going back to the top of the Race To Dubai. 

“There’s a lot that can go on next week but my goal this week was to win the UBS Hong Kong Open and I’ve come up just short again, for the second year in a row. But I gave it my best shot and that’s all I can do.”

Of the 3 South African contenders who made the cut, Charl Schwartzel finished highest at 10 under.  He was followed by Rory Sabbatini one shot back at 9 under, while Andrew McLardy concluded the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open at 7 under par.

(Hong Kong Vryday 13 November 2009)

Vir baie mense is Vrydag die 13de ‘n dag van kwade dade en gebeure.  Vir Suid Afrika se Charl Schwartzel was dit net een ding: ‘n gesamentlike 9-onder voorlopers-posisie aan die einde van die tweede rondte van die UBS Hong Kong Open in FanLing.  Schwartzel deel die plek met China se Liang Wenchong, die Hollander Robert-Jan Derksen en Frankryk se Grégory Bourdy.

Schwartzel hoop dat sy suksesvolle tweede rondte in Hong Kong hom in ‘n goeie posisie sal plaas op die leiersbord vir die Europese Toer se Race to Dubai.  Die Suid Afrikaner is tans nommer 24 op die Toer se inkomste-lys na hy reeds €938,019 hierdie seisoen gewen het.  Sou hy in Hong Kong wen, sal hy, op nommer 15, sterk geplaas wees vir die laaste toernooi van die seisoen in Dubai.

“Ek kan seker nie meer die Race to Dubai wen nie, maar 2 oorwinnings sal die voorlopers sekerlik lekker skrik maak.”  het hy gese na afloop van Vrydag se spel.

“Ek is reg waar ‘n speler wil wees na twee rondtes,” Se hy verder.  “Ek speel tans goed en as ek so kan volhou, stuur hierdie toernooi op ‘n opwindende finaal af.”

Die vier voorlopers, insluitende Schwartzel is een hou voor nog ‘n Suid Afrikaner Rory Sabbatini asook Thailand se Chinnarat Phadungsil.

Na harde reen aan die einde van Dag 1, het Hong Kong vanoggend ietwat laer temperature ondervind.  Die son het egter in die namiddag kop uitgesteek en volgens Schwartzel het dit die speel-oppervlak en kondisies verbeter.  

Hy verduidelik: “Dit was koud vir die spelers in die oggend en die bal het nie te ver deur die lug getrek nie.  Ek het vroeg in my rondte met ‘n trui aan gespeel so ek dink die na-middag spelers was baie beter af (in terme van die weer).”

Na afloop van die WGC-HSBC Champions Toernooi  in Shanghai, China is Charl Schwartzel (71) tans Nommer 5 op die Suid Afrikaanse ranglys, een plek na Rory Sabbatini (61).  Hulle onderskeie posisies op die wereld-ranglys is tussen hakies.

South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel drives at the par-four 15th hole during the second round of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Friday, 13 November 2009. (Picture: Parallel Media Group)

South Africa’s 4th and 5th ranked players Rory Sabbatini and Charl Schwartzel remains at the top of the leaderboard after round 1 of the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open.  Both players carded a five under 65 at Fanling in Hong Kong’s New Territories.

The top twenty players in South Africa was recently listed after the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai, China.  World number sixteen Ernie Els top the list followed by Retief Goosen and Tim Clarke.

Honours even between Westwood and McIlroy

Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy remained locked in their Race To Dubai battle when they carded matching four-under-par 66s on the opening day of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Thursday (12 November). 

The duo’s efforts left them four shots off the lead in the US$2.5 million showpiece being held at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.

World No.4 Westwood mixed six birdies with two bogeys on his debut in the tournament. 

“It was good,” said the English ace. “The only green I missed was the last hole I played and that is a tough hole, No.9. I wouldn’t say I flushed it but I had enough control to hit 17 out of 18 greens.  “I had a lot of chances but found the greens very puzzling. I think I’m at a real disadvantage having only played the course once before [in the pro-am].

“It’s alright learning a course tee to green – it’s pretty obvious how you play tee to green – but on the greens, it’s such an advantage having played a few tournaments round here. So to start with four-under 66, I’m delighted.

“The only two bogeys I made were three putts and I had a load of chances.”

Asked what was so tough about the greens, Westwood replied: “The grain. It really does affect the ball, as much as anywhere. Sometimes it breaks up the hill.  “After about six or seven holes I called my caddie in and he had more of an idea. We gradually got it right and I eventually holed a couple.” 

As for the Race To Dubai, Westwood said he was trying not to think about it while playing this week. “I’m trying to win the UBS Hong Kong Open and that’s all,” he insisted.

Westwood leads the Race To Dubai with season earnings of €2,404,579 – a lead of €52,320 over McIlroy with just two tournaments remaining, Hong Kong and next week’s Dubai World Championship. 

McIlroy – joint runner-up in the UBS Hong Kong Open last year – had five birdies and a lone bogey as he kept pace with his rival. 

“There are 54 holes left so it doesn’t matter until Sunday,” the Northern Irish youngster said of his battle with Westwood. “We’re both playing pretty well to be in the positions we’re in so I’m not surprised Lee is up there. 

“I’ve just got to keep doing it. I’m not sure if three more 66s will be good enough so I might need to go a little better over the next three days.”

McIlroy admitted that playing in his third straight UBS Hong Kong Open could give him an advantage over Westwood.  “It’s just a question of getting used to the grain,” he said. “I don’t struggle too much. You just have to look to see which way the grass is going and then guess how much the grass is going to affect a putt. There’s no exact science to it.” 

Thailand’s Udorn Duangdecha leads the tournament after carding a superb eight-under 62.

Lee Westwood hands his ball to his caddy during the first round of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Thursday, 12 November 2009. Westwood carded a four-under-par 66. (Pic: Paul Lakatos/UBS Hong Kong Open)

Rory Sabbatini is aiming to make all the right moves in this week’s UBS Hong Kong Open after likening the tournament course to chess. 

“It’s a very traditional course with everything out there in front of you,” the South African star said of the tight par-70 layout at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. 

“You know exactly what’s ahead. It’s a course which requires you to put it in all the right spots.  “It’s like a game of chess where you have to get in the right position all the way round the golf course. Ultimately you have to putt well to give yourself a good chance.”

Sabbatini is making his second successive appearance in the UBS Hong Kong Open, which teed off at 06:50 (local time) this morning. 

“Last year was my first trip to Asia and it was a very entertaining one which I enjoyed very much,” he said. 

“The tournament here at the UBS is a very historic one with a lot of tradition and history behind it and it’s a pleasure to be here.”   

He agreed that golf in Asia is going through boom times. “I think the whole world realises Asia is becoming more important in every regard. Especially in China, golf is exploding into their culture, it’s very exciting.  “It’s great to see the knowledge of golf expand and it’s now been included in the Olympics so that’s even more exciting. It’s something to keep your eye on.” 

Although he claimed his fifth career PGA Tour title at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Texas last May, Sabbatini feels his season could have been better.  “I’d say even though I won it’s been a disappointing year. I felt I was striking the ball well and doing all the right things but not getting the ball in the hole. 

“Ultimately, golf is a game where you have to get the ball in the hole so I was doing things backwards.  “But I learnt a lot about my ability on the course and the way I hit the ball so I’m very excited about next year.”

Sabbatini played an expanded schedule in 2009 but is keeping an open mind about next year. “This is my first year being a member of the European Tour and I have enjoyed it,” he said. 

“Next year I can’t make any predictions on my schedule. I play full time on the PGA Tour so that is my first priority and then in regards to the European Tour, it depends on the schedule.  “This week, I just want to go out and put in a good performance.”

Sabbatini is one of a contingent of eight South Africans competing at this year’s UBS Hong Kong Open.  Joining him at Fanling is fellow-South Africans James Kamte, Andrew McLardy, Hendrik Buhrmann, Charles Schwartzel, Jbe Kruger, Anton Haig and Keith Horne.

Rory Sabbatini follows his drive at the part-four seventh hole on Wednesday, 11 November 2009, during the pro-am tournament at the UBS Hong Kong Open. (Pic: Parallel Media Group)

From the Kowloon Cricket Club two weekends ago, to the HK Golf Club this week, international sports action in Hong Kong continues!

As far as action is concerned, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes this year definately did not disappoint.  Following on last year’s last ball drama when England was crowned Champions, Davy Jacobs’ South Africa this time around, followed suit when man-of-the-moment Farhaan Behardien hit a massive six off the last ball with 5 runs needed to win!

Change to Sheung Shui and who could ever forget last years play-off between Irish upstart Rory McIlroy and Taiwan Lin Wen-Tang for the 2008 UBS Hong Kong Open title.  Here’s a reminder:

It’s that time again and tournament organisers and sponsors UBS have assembled the best-ever field to line up in the New Territories for the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Golf Open.  South Africa’s onslaught will be led by the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Champion Rory Sabbatini.

Getting to the UBS Hong Kong Open

Those of you Saffas who want to travel out to Fan Ling can make use of the free shuttle buses from Admiralty and Kowloon Tong MTR Stations.  Buses will depart from these two locations every half-hour starting from 9am to 12:30 pm on Saturday-Sunday (14-15 November 2009).  The return journeys will commence from 3 pm to 6 pm from Sheung Shui.

If you want to attend play on Thursday-Friday, take the MTR to Sheung Shui station from where there will be a free shuttle service to the HKGC.  Departures will be every half -hour:

Starting from 07:00 – 18:00 on Thursday/Friday;

and every 15 minutes from 08:00 – 19:30 on Saturday/Sunday.

Tickets

Tickets available at www.cityline.com at any Parsons Music Branch or via Cityline hotline 2111 5333.

Ticket prices: Thu-Fri (HK$120/day), Sat (HK$250), Sun (HK$300), all four days (HK$400)

See you in Sheung Shui!

Excited organisers of the 2009 edition of the UBS Hong Kong Open yesterday announced that Major winners Mark O’Meara and Ben Curtis have been added to the strongest field ever assembled for the UBS Hong Kong Open.

The American duo – both former British Open champions – will be making their debuts in the US$2.5 million showpiece. 

 South Africa’s Rory Sabattini has been added to the Fanling line-up (Pic: rorysabbatini.com)

They are joined by South African ace Rory Sabbatini – who has five PGA Tour titles to his name – and reigning European Tour Order of Merit champion Robert Karlsson, plus recent Hong Kong winners Colin Montgomerie and Miguel ángel Jiménez.

“It is, far and away, the best field ever seen in Hong Kong ,” said Martin Capstick, managing director of the tournament promoter, Parallel Media Group.  “The latest player confirmations, together with those already unveiled, mean we have 14 of the world’s top 50 according to the Official World Golf Ranking, which is unprecedented.

“We have 40 of the leading 60 players in the European Tour’s Race To Dubai – including four of the top six – and all the top 10 in the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.”

The latest players to be announced join a star-studded line-up that already includes world No.4 Paul Casey, world No.5 Lee Westwood – the current Race To Dubai leader – and Asia ’s first Major winner, Yang Yong Eun.

The 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open will be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from 12-15 November.

O’Meara has 16 PGA Tour victories to his name and enjoyed an incredible year in 1998 when he won both the Masters Tournament and the British Open and then beat his close friend Tiger Woods in the final of the World Match Play Championship.  Aside from his British Open triumph, achieved at Royal Birkdale in Lancashire, he has three other European Tour titles to his name, the last being the Dubai Desert Classic in 2004.

“Over my career, I have always prided myself on playing all over the world, so to finally make my debut in the UBS Hong Kong Open is very special,” said O’Meara.  “I have heard from a number of my friends on Tour how great the tournament is and, since I already love the city of Hong Kong , I’m very excited about the week.

“I’m also going to try my hardest to get an American name back on that trophy – I understand the last US player to win was 14 years ago, so I’ll be shooting to change that!”

Curtis astonished the golf world in 2003 when, as a virtual unknown, he won the British Open at Royal St George’s in Kent – so becoming the first player since Francis Ouimet at the 1913 US Open to win a Major at his first attempt.  He also jumped from 396th to 35th in the Official World Golf Ranking, the biggest single leap since the ranking system began in 1986.

Since then he has consolidated his status as an elite player with two victories on the PGA Tour and was a member of the United States ’ victorious Ryder Cup team last year.  “I am delighted to be making my debut in November at the UBS Hong Kong Open,” said Curtis.

“As a member of the European Tour, I have always enjoyed competing in the great events around the world, and I know the history of this event is very strong.  “All you have to do is take a look at the strength of the field which UBS has assembled this year to know how respected this tournament is. 

“And its place on the schedule is very important as well, with this being the final chance to qualify for the Dubai World Championship. I need to make up some ground on that list so I’m looking forward to a great week at the UBS.  “I’m sure the sports fans in Hong Kong will enjoy some fantastic golf during the week.”

Other stars confirmed for the UBS Hong Kong Open include defending champion Lin Wen Tang of Chinese Taipei and the man he beat in last year’s unforgettable playoff duel, brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy, who is currently No.18 in the world. 

In addition, English ace Ian Poulter – who leapt up to world No.15 with his victory in last week’s Singapore Open – and Northern Irish star Darren Clarke, a 13-time winner on the European Tour, are in the line-up. 

Also vying for honours will be brilliant New Zealand teenager Danny Lee, who became the youngest winner in European Tour history when, aged 18 years and 213 days, he won last February’s Johnnie Walker Classic while still an amateur. 

An ultra-strong Asian contingent will be led by Korean icon Yang and the man currently second to him in the continent’s rankings, India ’s Jeev Milkha Singh, a player with three European Tour victories to his name. 

Also confirmed are Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee, who leads the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit with earnings of US$937,658, and Chinese No.1 Liang Wenchong, presently second in the money list and runner-up to Poulter in Singapore . 

The UBS Hong Kong Open – Hong Kong ’s oldest professional sporting event, having started in 1959 – will once again be co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours. 

The tournament has been won by nine Major champions: Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Orville Moody, Greg Norman, Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer, Tom Watson, José María Olazábal and Padraig Harrington. 

This year’s UBS Hong Kong Open is the penultimate ranking event on the European Tour schedule, taking place a week before the season-ending Dubai World Championship.  With only the top 60 golfers on the European Tour money list eligible to play in Dubai , the Hong Kong event has assumed even greater significance with players scrambling to secure their spot in the season finale.

The Open is the third-last event counting towards the Order of Merit on the 2009 Asian Tour calendar.

Yasin Ali is hoping history repeats itself as he bids to book a return ticket to the UBS Hong Kong Open. 

The talented Briton will tee off in the international qualifying tournament on Tuesday (20 October) at the Palm Resort Golf and Country Club in Johor , Malaysia buoyed by the fact he won the corresponding event last year.  Yasin faces a tough task in the one-round shootout with dozens of seasoned professionals chasing three spots in the US$2.5 million Hong Kong showpiece.

The field includes two players – Scotland ’s Simon Yates and Adam Groom of Australia – who have made an impact at previous Hong Kong Opens.

Simon Yates of Scotland has fond memories of the UBS Hong Kong Open after setting a course-record 61 in 2005. (Pic: Two Up Front)

Yates shot a course-record 61 in the third round of the 2005 tournament on his way to finishing 10th.  A year earlier, Groom led after the first round – heading a stellar field that included Padraig Harrington, David Howell and eventual winner Miguel Angel Jiménez – before settling for joint 12th position.

Sattaya Supupramai of Thailand , who won a three-way playoff to grab the third qualifying slot a year ago, is in the Palm Resort line-up again.

Other notable names due to tee off include Malaysia ’s Danny Chia, Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit and Martin Rominger of Switzerland . 

Four Hong Kong professionals – William Fung, Lokky Lee, Chris Tang and Derek Fung – booked their UBS Hong Kong Open places at last week’s domestic qualifying tournament.

The 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open will be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from 12-15 November.

The world class field will be spearheaded by Korean ace Yang Yong Eun, who became Asia ’s first Major winner when he triumphed at the US PGA Championship in August.  Also in the line-up will be defending champion Lin Wen Tang of Chinese Taipei and the man he beat in last year’s unforgettable playoff duel, brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy.

The tournament – Hong Kong ’s oldest professional sporting event, having started in 1959 – will once again be co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.