Spread the love

The US$1 million SMBC Singapore Open will act as the opening event on the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation in 2019.

The co-sanctioned tournament, won this year by Spaniard Sergio Garcia, will be played from January 17-20 on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

And for the third successive season the event will be part of The Open Qualifying Series. As was the case this year, the leading four non-exempt players will secure their places for the 148th Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, in Northern Ireland (July18-21).

“Traditionally it is that time of year for us to confirm the dates for our national Open and we are delighted that it will once again start the season for the region’s two main Tours: the Asian and Japan Tours,” said Ross Tan, President of the Singapore Golf Association.

“Next year will be the 53rd Singapore Open and we will announce the line-up of star players in due course. Importantly, we are able to confirm the SMBC Singapore Open will be part of The Open Qualifying Series – a tremendous attribute that provides our tournament with global exposure.”

American Sean CrockerLucas Herbert from Australia and Thais Jazz Janewattananond and Danthai Boonma, were the four players who qualified for last month’s Open at Carnoustie via January’s SMBC Singapore Open. Both Crocker and Herbert survived the half-way cut.

“The SMBC Singapore Open has been a key tournament in Asia for our Open Qualifying Series. It first became part of the series in 2017 and The R&A are thrilled that it will once again be part of the schedule next year,” said Dominic Wall, Director – Asia Pacific, The R&A.

Places in the starting field at next year’s Open will be even more sought after as it will be only the second time in the Open’s more than 150-year history that it will be played outside of Scotland and England. The tournament is expected to be the biggest sporting event ever held in Northern Ireland.