UBS continues as title sponsor of the Hong Kong Open
The Hong Kong Open was given a further boost today with the news that UBS will continue as title sponsor of the tournament at the Hong Kong Golf Club from November 18-21, 2010.
UBS, the diversified global financial services company, has been title sponsor of the event since 2006 during which time it has overseen a substantial rise in the tournament’s prize money.
Indeed, the total prize fund increased every year from US$1.2 million in the 2006 season to the US$2.5 million figure which will be on offer at the Fanling venue in six months time. In addition, the winner in November will pocket a cheque for US$416,660, compared to the US$200,000 won by Colin Montgomerie four years ago.
Beginning in 1959, the Hong Kong Open became part of The European Tour International Schedule in the 2002 season and has a rich history of winners including nine different Major Champions who have amassed 25 Major titles between them.
Frenchman Grégory Bourdy will be the defending champion for the 2010 edition of the UBS Hong Kong Open – which will be co-sanctioned by The European Tour, the Asian Tour and the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA) – having held off a stirring final day challenge from Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy to triumph at the historic course last November.
The victory, as well as seeing Bourdy win for the third season in succession on The European Tour, also saw him gain entry into the season-ending Dubai World Championship on The European Tour and the UBS Hong Kong Open will once again occupy the crucial penultimate tournament slot on The 2010 European Tour International Schedule, as well as being a vital part of the end of season countdown on the 2010 Asian Tour.
Chi-Won Yoon, UBS Asia Pacific Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said: “UBS is delighted to continue its association with Hong Kong’s premier golf event. The UBS Hong Kong Open is a marquee tournament on Asia’s golfing calendar and emblematic of the highest levels of professionalism in the region. We look forward to continuing our long and successful partnership with the HKGA and welcoming players and spectators alike to this year’s event which, I am confident, will be as competitive as ever.”
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “The development of all aspects of the Hong Kong Open under UBS over the past five years is there for all to see and therefore, needless to say, we are delighted to see them continue as the title sponsor of the event.
“Together with the Asian Tour and the Hong Kong Golf Association, we are delighted to be co-sanctioning such a prestigious tournament and one which holds such a special place in Asian sporting folklore as the longest-running sporting event in Hong Kong.”
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “On behalf of our talented members, I would like to express our fullest appreciation to UBS for extending its commitment as title sponsor of the Hong Kong Open which is one of our truly premier championships on the Asian Tour.
“UBS has played a significant role in the recent transformation of the Hong Kong Open into a world-class golfing spectacle and we believe its continued involvement will further benefit the tournament and the game in Asia.”
As well as being co-sanctioned by The European Tour, the Asian Tour and the Hong Kong Golf Association, the UBS Hong Kong Open will also be the first tournament to be promoted by EurAsia Golf Ltd – the innovative alliance between The European Tour and the Asian Tour which was launched last July.
For further information, contact:
| The European Tour Communications Division Tel: +44 (0)1344 840400 Fax: +44 (0) 1344 840444 Email: [email protected] |
Chuah Choo Chiang, Asian Tour Media Director Tel: +603 7880 3714 Fax: +603 7880 1141 Email: [email protected] |