May 28, 2008 – The UBS Hong Kong Open, gearing up for its 50th edition celebrations this November, has been boosted by the news that UBS has extended its title sponsorship through 2009.
The agreement continues UBS’s hugely successful partnership with the prestigious tournament that began in 2005.
“For our business, success comes through building long-term commitments with partners that share our values so I am delighted that we have agreed to extend our partnership with the UBS Hong Kong Open,” said Oliver Bertschinger, Head of Sponsorship, UBS Asia Pacific.
“One of the leading professional golf tournaments in Asia and one of the most important events in Hong Kong, the UBS Hong Kong Open has been an integral part of our business here for the last three years.
“The unique entertainment opportunities and the high quality of the tournament have made it one of the ‘must-attend’ events in Hong Kong, which makes it both popular with our clients and an effective way to enhance our brand,” he added.
First held in 1959, the Open is Hong Kong’s oldest professional sporting event and is considered one of the “jewels in the crown” of Asian golf.
It has always been staged at the same venue, the historic Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, and is sanctioned by both the European and Asian Tours.
Past winners include all-time greats such as Peter Thomson, Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer, Tom Watson, José María Olazábal and Padraig Harrington.
“We are delighted that UBS is continuing its close association with the Open,” said Martin Capstick, managing director of the tournament promoter, Parallel Media Group.
“The UBS Hong Kong Open has gone from strength to strength in recent years. The support the tournament has received from UBS has taken it to the next level in terms of prize money, field quality and spectator facilities.
“We look forward to working closely with UBS on this year’s 50th tournament and continuing this successful partnership through 2009.”
To kick start preparations for the 50th tournament, senior executives from all the UBS Hong Kong Open’s key sponsors recently attended an all-day workshop at the Hong Kong Golf Club.
In addition to UBS, sponsors attending included BMW, Emirates, NOW TV, JW Marriott, Heineken and Hugo Boss.
“The workshop was extremely useful,” added Capstick. “All our official partners are committed to making the 50th tournament a truly special event for everyone involved – especially, of course, the fans.”
The 2008 UBS Hong Kong Open will be held at the Hong Kong Golf Club from November 20-23.
