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Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore Open golf tourney returns after three years with US$2 million prize purse
(From left) Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour commissioner and chief executive; Huang Jie, Guizhou Moutai Chiew chairman; Singapore Golf Association president Tan Chong Huat; and SGA vice-president Ivan Chua at a signing ceremony for the event. PHOTO: ASIAN TOUR SINGAPORE – Golf's Singapore Open, the national men's professional competition, will return to the Republic when it tees off at the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) from Nov 6 to 9. Last played in 2022, the Singapore Open will be sanctioned by the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) and Asian Tour, with Kweichow Moutai, a Chinese liquor company, coming on board as the new title sponsor in 2025. Staged at the SICC's New Course, the Moutai Singapore Open will offer a prize purse of US$2 million (S$2.59 million) – an increase from the US$1.25 million for the 2022 edition – as one of 10 events on the International Series. The International Series, which was launched in 2022, provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League. Singaporean professional golfer James Leow welcomed the return of the event, which the 28-year-old has watched as a spectator and played in four times. The 2019 SEA Games gold medallist said: 'It's nice to have the event back after three years – everyone is constantly asking about it and it's such a special event. 'It has a long history and has had many big golfing stars competing in it and winning it... It's also the part that it's a life-changing dream for all the professionals and aspiring professionals.' Inaugurated in 1961, the Singapore Open was part of Asia's very first professional golf circuit, which comprised a handful of tournaments in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia and Japan. It became a fixture on the Australasian Tour for three seasons from 1993, before it joined the Asian Tour in 1996. The event was co-sanctioned with the European Tour from 2009 to 2012, and later with the Japan Golf Tour from 2016 to 2022, which marked its most recent edition. Past champions of the tournament include Australia's former world No. 1 Adam Scott (2005, 2006, 2010) and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia (2018) from Spain. With the tournament part of the International Series this year, Leow relishes testing himself against the best on the Asian Tour and LIV Golf League. 'With the International Series, which are the elevated events on the Asian Tour, there's more prize money, the winner gets more ranking points, and you're competing against a deeper field of players including the LIV guys,' said world No. 1,417 Leow, who currently has full status on China Tour and Asian Development Tour, and conditional status on the Asian Tour. 'It'll be a test to see where I'm at and as a competitor and athlete, we aim to win when we tee it up so that's the goal.' This year's edition will return to the venue where the tournament was first played in 1961 until 1987. The last edition of the event, which was won by Thailand's Sadom Kaewkanjana, took place at Sentosa Golf Club. It also adds to a vibrant golf calendar in Singapore this year, which includes the LIV Singapore in May and the World Amateur Team Championships that will take place in October. Singapore Golf Association (SGA) president Tan Chong Huat said: 'The Singapore Open is about to embark on an exciting new cycle and we are looking forward to working with our partners, the Asian Tour and Kweichow Moutai, to continue the legacy of our national open. 'Our National Open is one of Singapore's premier sporting events, and we are overjoyed it is returning to the calendar later this year with a dynamic new title sponsor at one of the country's most acclaimed golfing venues, Singapore Island Country Club.' The Singapore Open is part of the closing stretch of the 2025 Asian Tour season, which concludes with the Dec 10-13 Saudi Open. Cho Minn Thant, the Asian Tour's commissioner and chief executive, said: 'The Singapore Open is an integral part of Asian Tour history and one of our most-prized tournaments – so we are thrilled it is returning to our schedule later this year. 'The story of the Singapore Open runs in parallel with that of the Tour's and, in many respects, we have grown hand in hand… 'With it set to be staged during the all-important closing stretch of the season, our members and fans in the region can look forward to a memorable climax.' Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kweichow Moutai forges new partnership with the Asian Tour
KWEICHOW MOUTAI, one of the leading luxury brands in China, will embark on an exciting new journey with the Asian Tour after announcing today a bold and wide-ranging new partnership that will have a major impact on three of the biggest golf events in the region. Marking Kweichow Moutai's first venture with the region's premier professional golf circuit, they will be welcomed on board as the Official Luxury Chinese Baijiu Partner of the Asian Tour delivering a significant presence across the season. In addition, they will become the presenting partner for next week's International Series Japan, become title sponsor of the Singapore Open – ensuring the prestigious event's return after a three-year break – and also join the Link Hong Kong Open as the Official Luxury Chinese Baijiu Partner. 'There are so many synergies between Kweichow Moutai and the Asian Tour that makes this new commitment an exciting one that offers so much potential,' said Huang Jie, Chairman of Guizhou Moutai Chiew. 'Kweichow Moutai represents excellence and prestige, values we associate with golf, the Asian Tour and its line-up of world-class tournaments. And in the same way that the Asian Tour is continuing to grow its audience and reach around the world, Kweichow Moutai also aims to consolidate its strong global presence through these four new partnerships. 'Kweichow Moutai cannot wait for these relationships to get underway and marry our brand with the first ever International Series event in Japan and later on with two of the most venerable tournaments in the history of Asian golf, the Singapore Open and Link Hong Kong Open.' The International Series Japan presented by Moutai will be played at Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba, near Tokyo, May 8-11, while the Link Hong Kong Open tees off at the Hong Kong Golf Club, October 30-November 2. The week after Hong Kong, the Moutai Singapore Open will be held at Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), November 6-9. It will mark the first time Singapore's National Open will be played at SICC since 2000. All three tournaments are part of The International Series – 10 premier events on the Asian Tour that boast elevated prize money and provide a pathway to the LIV Golf League. Kweichow Moutai is a market leader in the 'Baijiu', or 'white liquor', industry in China, and has a rich history and historical legacy dating back hundreds of years. It sees elite-level tournament golf in the region as the perfect platform to target high-income individuals in Asia and beyond. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour commented: 'The Asian Tour is proud to embrace Kweichow Moutai's landmark move into the international stage and we are excited to see them partner with the Tour and three of our key events. It is a fantastic opportunity to enhance our brands and reputations together in the region. 'Kweichow Moutai is a strong, renowned brand with great ambitions, and we feel the Asian Tour and its iconic tournaments will provide an ideal platform for future growth. We share a vision to target a new demographic while maintaining traditions and a loyal customer base.' The partnership also marks the third successive event on The International Series boasting a presenting partner, after the International Series India presented by DLF and the International Series Macau presented by Wynn. 'The International Series welcomes Kweichow Moutai onboard for our first event in Japan and looks forward to their involvement in Hong Kong and Singapore,' said Rahul Singh – Head of The International Series. 'This commitment is an outstanding development that supports our ambitions to showcase the series in key markets we have not yet visited, such as Japan, and to continue building our profile in traditional strongholds of the Asian Tour, like Hong Kong and Singapore. 'It is a perfect partnership for all parties as our blend of world-class action, entertainment and activations appeals to the core golf fan as well as other audiences seeking something more.' The Singapore Open was last played at the beginning of 2022 and its return to the schedule has been eagerly awaited. Like the Hong Kong Open, it is one of the founding events on the Asian Tour with a remarkable history and star-studded list of past champions. Tan Chong Huat, President, Singapore Golf Association said: 'The Singapore Open is about to embark on an exciting new cycle and we are looking forward to working with our partners, the Asian Tour and Kweichow Moutai, to continue the legacy of our National Open. 'Our National Open is one of Singapore's premier sporting events, and we are overjoyed it is returning to the calendar later this year with a dynamic new title sponsor at one of the country's most acclaimed golfing venues, Singapore Island Country Club.' Andy Kwok, Captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, added: 'We are delighted to welcome Kweichow Moutai to the Link Hong Kong Open's portfolio of sponsors at a time when our event is flourishing and enjoying an incredible period of growth.' The Asian Tour is in Korea this week for the GS Caltex Maekyung Open, before crossing to next week's International Series Japan presented by Moutai – the sixth event of the season on the Asian Tour and third stop on The International Series.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kweichow Moutai forges bold new partnership with the Asian Tour
KWEICHOW MOUTAI, one of the leading luxury brands in China, will embark on an exciting new journey with the Asian Tour after announcing today a bold and wide-ranging new partnership that will have a major impact on three of the biggest golf events in the region. Marking Kweichow Moutai's first venture with the region's premier professional golf circuit, they will be welcomed on board as the Official Luxury Chinese Baijiu Partner of the Asian Tour delivering a significant presence across the season. In addition, they will become the presenting partner for next week's International Series Japan, become title sponsor of the Singapore Open – ensuring the prestigious event's return after a three-year break – and also join the Link Hong Kong Open as the Official Luxury Chinese Baijiu Partner. 'There are so many synergies between Kweichow Moutai and the Asian Tour that makes this new commitment an exciting one that offers so much potential,' said Huang Jie, Chairman of Guizhou Moutai Chiew. 'Kweichow Moutai represents excellence and prestige, values we associate with golf, the Asian Tour and its line-up of world-class tournaments. And in the same way that the Asian Tour is continuing to grow its audience and reach around the world, Kweichow Moutai also aims to consolidate its strong global presence through these four new partnerships. 'Kweichow Moutai cannot wait for these relationships to get underway and marry our brand with the first ever International Series event in Japan and later on with two of the most venerable tournaments in the history of Asian golf, the Singapore Open and Link Hong Kong Open.' The International Series Japan presented by Moutai will be played at Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba, near Tokyo, May 8-11, while the Link Hong Kong Open tees off at the Hong Kong Golf Club, October 30-November 2. The week after Hong Kong, the Moutai Singapore Open will be held at Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), November 6-9. It will mark the first time Singapore's National Open will be played at SICC since 2000. All three tournaments are part of The International Series – 10 premier events on the Asian Tour that boast elevated prize money and provide a pathway to the LIV Golf League. Kweichow Moutai is a market leader in the 'Baijiu', or 'white liquor', industry in China, and has a rich history and historical legacy dating back hundreds of years. It sees elite-level tournament golf in the region as the perfect platform to target high-income individuals in Asia and beyond. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour commented: 'The Asian Tour is proud to embrace Kweichow Moutai's landmark move into the international stage and we are excited to see them partner with the Tour and three of our key events. It is a fantastic opportunity to enhance our brands and reputations together in the region. 'Kweichow Moutai is a strong, renowned brand with great ambitions, and we feel the Asian Tour and its iconic tournaments will provide an ideal platform for future growth. We share a vision to target a new demographic while maintaining traditions and a loyal customer base.' The partnership also marks the third successive event on The International Series boasting a presenting partner, after the International Series India presented by DLF and the International Series Macau presented by Wynn. 'The International Series welcomes Kweichow Moutai onboard for our first event in Japan and looks forward to their involvement in Hong Kong and Singapore,' said Rahul Singh – Head of The International Series. 'This commitment is an outstanding development that supports our ambitions to showcase the series in key markets we have not yet visited, such as Japan, and to continue building our profile in traditional strongholds of the Asian Tour, like Hong Kong and Singapore. 'It is a perfect partnership for all parties as our blend of world-class action, entertainment and activations appeals to the core golf fan as well as other audiences seeking something more.' The Singapore Open was last played at the beginning of 2022 and its return to the schedule has been eagerly awaited. Like the Hong Kong Open, it is one of the founding events on the Asian Tour with a remarkable history and star-studded list of past champions. Tan Chong Huat, President, Singapore Golf Association said: 'The Singapore Open is about to embark on an exciting new cycle and we are looking forward to working with our partners, the Asian Tour and Kweichow Moutai, to continue the legacy of our National Open. 'Our National Open is one of Singapore's premier sporting events, and we are overjoyed it is returning to the calendar later this year with a dynamic new title sponsor at one of the country's most acclaimed golfing venues, Singapore Island Country Club.' Andy Kwok, Captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, added: 'We are delighted to welcome Kweichow Moutai to the Link Hong Kong Open's portfolio of sponsors at a time when our event is flourishing and enjoying an incredible period of growth.' The Asian Tour is in Korea this week for the GS Caltex Maekyung Open, before crossing to next week's International Series Japan presented by Moutai – the sixth event of the season on the Asian Tour and third stop on The International Series.
