Singapore: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) will title sponsor Singapore’s national Open for three more years.
On the eve of the first round of the 2018 SMBC Singapore Open, SMBC revealed they will renew their relationship with the tournament from 2019 to 2021.
The Japanese financial institution came on board in 2016 as part of a three-year deal and the tournament has prospered since at Sentosa Golf Club and as an event jointly-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation.
“SMBC are very proud to be associated with one of the premier golf tournaments in Asia, so much so that we have taken the decision to continue on as title sponsor,” said Makoto Takashima, President and CEO, SMBC.
“Singapore continues to be a key component of our global strategies and the country’s national Open provides us with the perfect way to connect with our audience. Furthermore, we hope the tournament acts to further promote the popularity of golf throughout Asia, as well as inspiring a new generation of players.”
SMBC’s support of the Singapore Open was validated last season when the event was voted the ‘Best Tournament’ by the members of the Asian Tour, and Sentosa’s Serapong layout was acknowledged as the ‘Best Course’.
The Singapore Golf Association, guardians of the Singapore Open, welcomed the renewal and also announced they will extend their contract with Lagardère Sports, the event promoter, until 2021.
“The Singapore Golf Association is truly delighted that SMBC have committed to our tournament for an additional three years,” said Ross Tan, President, Singapore Golf Association.
“This year marks the 52nd staging of the Singapore Open and it is incredibly encouraging to see its future look so bright thanks to SMBC. They will help add to the Singapore Open’s long and storied history.”
The first round of the US$1 million SMBC Singapore Open tees-off today on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).
The stellar field includes reigning Masters champion Sergio Garcia from Spain, South African Louis Oosthuizen, Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa and Pat Perez from the United States.
American Jordan Spieth, ranked number one in the world at the time, was the star attraction at the SMBC Singapore Open in 2016 and finished second in the tournament. Korean Song Young-han took the title while last year Prayad Marksaeng from Thailand triumphed.
“This is outstanding news for the Singapore Open,” said Patrick Feizal Joyce, Vice President, Golf – Asia, Lagardère Sports, a Full Business Member of the AGIF.
“SMBC have been a valuable and committed title sponsor and the fact that they have extended their partnership means we are in store for another three exciting years. They have been outstanding to work with and we look forward to promoting the tournament for them until 2021.”