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Smaller prize purse ‘won’t affect S’pore Open’s appeal’

SINGAPORE — Organisers of the 2016 SMBC Singapore Open golf championship believe it will still be able to attract top names despite returning after a three-year hiatus with a reduced total prize purse.

(From left) Mr Low Teo Ping, president of Sentosa Golf Club; Mr. Seamus O’Brien, executive chairman of World Sport Group; Mr Bob Tan, president of the Singapore Golf Association;  Mr Masayuki Shimura, managing director and head of Asia-Pacific division of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; Mr Kyi Hla Han, chairman of the Asian Tour; Mr Masayoshi Takaba, vice-chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organisation with the SMBC Singapore Open trophy. Photo: World Sport Group

(From left) Mr Low Teo Ping, president of Sentosa Golf Club; Mr. Seamus O’Brien, executive chairman of World Sport Group; Mr Bob Tan, president of the Singapore Golf Association; Mr Masayuki Shimura, managing director and head of Asia-Pacific division of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; Mr Kyi Hla Han, chairman of the Asian Tour; Mr Masayoshi Takaba, vice-chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organisation with the SMBC Singapore Open trophy. Photo: World Sport Group

SINGAPORE — Organisers of the 2016 SMBC Singapore Open golf championship believe it will still be able to attract top names despite returning after a three-year hiatus with a reduced total prize purse.

Yesterday, Japanese commercial bank SMBC — or Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation — was announced as the new title sponsor of the tournament, which will return from Jan 28 to 31 next year with US$1 million (S$1.34 million) prize money. The three-year deal is also a first in sports sponsorship for SMBC outside of Japan.

While the prize money has shrunk from US$6 million (S$8 million) in 2012 when the tournament was previously held, Singapore Golf Association (SGA) president Bob Tan and promoter World Sports Group (WSG) are confident Sentosa Golf Club’s (SGC) Serapong course will be able to draw the world’s top golfers, with the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour co-sanctioning the tournament.

“Although we are starting with a prize money of just US$1 million, there will be money available to bring in star players. This will attract global viewership and hopefully, build the momentum,” said Tan at the SGC yesterday.

WSG vice-president (golf) Patrick Feizal Joyce added: “The prize money isn’t the sole determining factor for a stature and status of a golf tournament. The Singapore Open stands on its own as a marquee event and the reduction in prize money in no way affects the delivery or prestige of the tournament.”

When Barclays ended its partnership as the Singapore Open’s title sponsor in 2012, the tournament had built up a reputation as the Major of Asia, attracting the likes of Major champions Adam Scott — a two-time winner of the Open — Rory McIlroy, Angel Cabrera, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson. “We are talking to some of the recognised players and local fans will not be disappointed,” said Patrick. “I’m absolutely confident ... we’ll have a few stars locked in after June.”

Close to 30,000 fans are expected for next year’s SMBC Singapore Open, and Tan said: “It’s important to put Singapore (back) onto the golfing map so we can retain and attract viewership globally.” EMMANUEL PHUA

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