S’pore takes Major steps – To be best in Asia, Open gets a longer, tougher course and more big names

THE tagline of the Singapore Open promotional video read: The Major of Asia.

Making it world class has been the goal of the organisers, since the Open returned in 2005 after a three-year hiatus.

To that end, they have announced a slew of developments for this year’s edition – chief of which sees three-time Major winner Vijay Singh making his debut.

But the one name even non-golf fans had been hoping for – world No1 Tiger Woods – has yet to be pencilled in for Sentosa’s Serapong course from Nov 1-4.

The confirmed field features three players in the world’s top 10, up from two last year and one in 2005.

Two-time defending champion, the world No 4 Adam Scott, will be gunning for a rare hat-trick.

He will be joined by world No 5 Ernie Els and No6 Vijay, who are no strangers to Singapore shores.

The South African was last year’s runner-up. The Fijian Vijay, who won the US Tour season-opener, the Mercedes-Benz Championship, has played in previous Singapore Masters.

Former US Open winner Michael Campbell, European Ryder Cup hero Darren Clarke and the flamboyant Japanese Shingo Katayama have also confirmed.

The US$4 million (S$6.2million) purse is up from last year’s US$3 million.

That makes it Asia’s richest national Open, followed by the US$2 million China and Hong Kong Opens.

The US Open, which ended on June 17, had a US$7million purse, while last year’s British Open offered &pound4million (S$12.3 million).

The organisers will also hold an overseas regional qualifier in Japan on Oct 1 – a first for any tournament in Asia.

‘This will make it a step closer to being a truly open Open,’ said Graham Bell, the organising committee’s chairman, yesterday.

The qualifier, at the Shinyo Country Club near Nagoya, will offer a minimum of two slots, while another at Sentosa’s Tanjong Course (Oct 29 to 30) will offer at least eight places.

But there will be no slots reserved for local pros.

‘They’ll have to qualify just like everyone else,’ said Bell. ‘It’ll be a meritocratic system, just like the US and British Opens.’

But the question on everyone’s lips is this: Will Woods will finally grace the event?

Said Bell: ‘It’s no secret that we want him to come. He’s said before that he’d be happy to come here.

‘But, as everyone knows, he’s just had a new priority and focus in life – his new baby.’

The American became a father on Monday, when wife Elin gave birth to their daughter, Sam Alexis.

‘His schedule for the second half of the year is not firmed up yet. We’re in constant talks with his people.’

If he comes, he will be playing a refurbished Serapong, which is undergoing a $12 million revamp in both course design and greens technology.

Participants can expect faster and more challenging greens, new bunkers and a longer course of 6,710 yards from the championship tee – up from 6,565 previously.

In comparison, the Buick Open – the US Tour event at Warwick Hills, Michigan, this week – plays to 7,127 yards.

Spectators, too, will benefit from the renovation.

For example, the clearing of trees and widening of buggy paths will enhance their viewing experience and access.

A new permanent double-storey Serapong pavilion, with panoramic views of the 9th and 18th holes, is also being built.

All the better to see the stars and action with.

‘Ernie and Vijay are big stars and should capture the imagination of the public,’ said Asian Tour executive chairman and former pro, Kyi Hla Han.

‘Vijay started by practising and playing in this region, so it’s great that he’s returning here.’

The event will be a US$5-million one next year, putting it on par with around half of the US Tour events.

And bringing Woods to Sentosa will certainly attract the fans, and enhance the Singapore Open’s claim to being ‘The Major of Asia’.

Source:
Paper: Straits Times, The (Singapore)
Date: June 28, 2007