Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Mickelson to light up Barclays Singapore Open

World Number Two Phil Mickelson has become the third Major Champion to confirm his participation in the US$5 million Barclays Singapore Open, the most lucrative national Open in Asia. The popular American left-hander returned to second spot in the Official World Golf Ranking after his three-shot victory over Tiger Woods in the end-of-season Tour Championship at the weekend. He joins a star-studded line-up in the Barclays Singapore Open which includes Major winners Padraig Harrington of Ireland and South Africa’s Ernie Els, who finished joint second behind Jeev Milkha Singh in last year’s edition of the tournament. Mickelson, a two-time Masters Tournament Champion will be making his third appearance at Sentosa Golf Club for the event from October 29 to November 1, which for the first time is being co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and The European Tour. Robert Morrice, Chairman and Chief Executive of Barclays Asia, said: “It is wonderful news that Phil Mickelson will play the tournament again this year as he will bring great value to the event, both on and off the course. As a member of the Barclays team, Phil is a great ambassador and role model for golf. He is a winner who personifies the game’s values of integrity, focus and precision, which are at the core of how we at Barclays are committed to earning success every day for our clients.” Peter Downie, General Manager of Sentosa Golf Club, added: “It will be great to see Phil Mickelson come to the Barclays Singapore Open and take on The Serapong Course once again. With his current form, he will no doubt start as one of the main favourites, and we look forward to watching a rejuvenated putting form by Phil Mickelson.” The 39 year old made an impressive start to the 2009 season with wins in the Northern Trust Open and WGC-CA Championship before taking time off from the game to be with his wife and mother, both of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer. He returned to action in early August and the Barclays Singapore Open will be the first leg of a two-event swing in Asia. Korea’s K.J. Choi and Northern Irishman Darren Clarke will also be playing in the tournament and more marquee names will be announced in the coming weeks with players from all over the world eager to tee it up in the 46th edition of the event. Singapore’s national Open was not played between 2002 and 2004, but returned to the Asian Tour schedule in 2005 thanks to the support of Sentosa and efforts of the event promoter World Sport Group. Australia’s Adam Scott triumphed in 2005 and 2006 before Angel Cabrera of Argentina claimed the spoils in 2007.

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