The SMBC Singapore Open blasted off on Thursday morning with Singapore Golf Association President Bob Tan hitting a ceremonial drive off the first tee at Sentosa Golf Club.
Tan was joined on the Serapong Course tee by Low Teo Ping, President Sentosa Golf Club, Kyi Hla Han, Commissioner of the Asian Tour, Toshiaki Akita, Secretary General of the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) and Masayuki Shimura, senior Manager Director of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.
“It is wonderful that the Singapore Open is back,” said Tan. “I think it is great that they managed to get Jordan Spieth to play. It has brought a lot of buzz – this morning I am told there is a huge queue of spectators waiting to get in.
“It is good for Singapore and good for the tournament that we have the world number one here.”
Tan, a 12 handicapper, joked that his tee shot “took the road” to the first green.
“I was told to hit the ball and do not worry about where it goes.” he laughed.
Patrick Feizal Joyce, Vice President, Golf, of tournament promoters Lagardère Sports said it was a day of celebration after three years without a tournament.
“We are here to celebrate the long awaited return of our national Open here at Sentosa Golf Club which we feel is its rightful home,” he said. “We would like to welcome the new title sponsor of the Singapore Open Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.
“Also, we are celebrating a new platform for the SMBC Singapore Open in the joint sanctioning between the JGTO and the Asian Tour.”
