Singapore: Leading life insurer Prudential Singapore, Laguna National Golf and Country Club and Parallel Media Group have announced the return of the Prudential Causeway Trophy at Laguna National, scheduled for June 6-8.

In a further extension of the friendly national rivalry, this year also sees the addition of the Prudential Junior Causeway Trophy at Laguna National, on June 4.
In its second year, the Prudential Causeway Trophy 2014 will see top golfers from long-standing rivals Singapore and Malaysia battle it out to defend their nation’s pride in a three-day Ryder Cup-style tournament on the world-class Laguna National Golf and Country Club course.
The 12-man teams announced today come from both sides of the Causeway and are sanctioned by the Singapore Professional Golfers’ Association and the Professional Golf Association Malaysia. Led by captains Mohd Said Abdul Latif for Singapore and M. Ramayah for Malaysia, the teams will compete in match play format in four ball, foursomes and singles games.
Prudential Singapore CEO Tomas Urbanec said: “Prudential is delighted to sponsor this unique sporting competition and to add the junior tournament this year. Professional-standard competitions like the Prudential Causeway Trophy let local golfers raise their profile and experience internationally, and help us spot and develop golf talents of the future.
“As part of Prudential’s commitment to supporting local communities, the addition of a youth tournament will give some of Singapore and Malaysia’s most promising junior golfers the opportunity to play in a professional-standard competition, played out in the format of the Junior Ryder Cup. We hope to encourage even more young people to participate in sports such as golf.”
The inaugural Prudential Causeway Trophy last year saw 24 players, representing the two nations, vie for glory on Laguna National’s infamous par-72 World Classic Course. Singapore walked away with the title as they beat an experienced Malaysian team 15½-8½.
Singapore captain Mohd Said said: “Our success last year means there is a lot of pressure for us to keep our champion status. However, we have an excellent team teeing off once again and with our home advantage, we are easily up to the challenge.”
Malaysian captain M. Ramayah responded: “Based on last year’s performance, people may see us as the underdogs. But the Singaporeans would be wise not to dismiss us early on. We have a lot to prove, an outstanding team sheet and we’re hungry to win this for our country and our fellow Malaysians.”
David Ciclitira, Chairman of Parallel Media Group, added: “We are thrilled to welcome back one of the region’s most eagerly anticipated and passionately supported sporting competitions. This year’s Prudential Causeway Trophy at Laguna National will build on last year’s friendly rivalry and provide even more opportunities for fans to participate and get behind their countries.”
As part of the tournament’s commitment to promoting golf in the region, entry will be free to members of the public, for all three days of the competition at Laguna National Golf & Country Club.
Patrick Bowers, CEO of Laguna National Golf & Country Club, said: “It’s an honour to host such a distinctive event at Laguna National and we are delighted to have Prudential as the title sponsor. We look forward to seeing how the teams cope and adapt to the nuances of the course, competing on it for the second time round.”
Each team will be represented by a non-playing team captain, vice-captain and 12 players selected from the top performers on the local Order of Merit, with spots also provided for permanent residents. More information on the junior teams and their captains will be available at a later date.