Player of the Year Jordan Spieth, the winner of two Majors in 2015, will be the star attraction at the 50th staging of the SMBC Singapore Open next January, organisers confirmed today.
The phenomenally talented 22-year-old claimed this year’s Masters Tournament and US Open, and recently triumphed in the Tour Championship to clinch the 2015 FedEx Cup. He was also runner-up in the PGA Championship, tied for fourth at The Open Championship and was named PGA Tour Player of the Year.
His performances this year ushered in a new era in the world game.
“Playing in the SMBC Singapore Open is something I’m really looking forward to”, said Spieth. “I’m very fortunate to play golf around the world and can’t wait to visit Singapore for the first time”, added Spieth, who was part of the United States team that recently claimed The Presidents Cup.
Enthusiastic galleries are expected when Spieth graces The Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club for the iconic SMBC Singapore Open from January 28 to 31, 2016.
With a minimum prize purse of US$1 million, the SMBC Singapore Open will be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO).
Spieth’s inclusion in the field along with the backing of new title sponsor Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation will see the tournament return with a bang after a three-year absence.
He will be trying to add his name to a list of illustrious champions, including three-time winner Adam Scott of Australia, England’s Ian Poulter, Angel Cabrera of Argentina and Matteo Manassero of Italy, who triumphed in 2012.
“I know the SMBC Singapore Open is one of Asia’s leading events and I couldn’t be more excited to add it to my 2016 playing schedule,” said Spieth.
Spieth’s four-stroke victory in the Masters and one-shot win at the US Open set up the possibility of the Texan becoming the first player in the modern era to complete the Grand Slam in a single season. He also came within a few inches of making the play-off at The Open Championship in July.
Although, his birdie putt from the Valley of Sin at St Andrews stopped short, Spieth’s Major ambitions were not over for the year. He played some of his best golf at Whistling Straits in the PGA Championship before finishing in second place behind Australia’s Jason Day. The runner up finish was good enough to take him to top spot on the Official World Golf Rankings, fulfilling a lifelong dream for Spieth. Spieth also won the Valspar Championship in March and the John Deere Classic in July.
“It is more than an honour to welcome Jordan Spieth, the winner of two Majors this year, to the first SMBC Singapore Open in 2016,” said Mr. Takeshi Kunibe, President and CEO, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC).
“We believe the participation of the most exciting golfer in the world today will open a new page in the great history of this event which will be reborn as the SMBC Singapore Open.”
The SMBC Singapore Open will feature the top 60 from the Asian Tour, top 60 from the JGTO, leading Singapore professionals and amateurs and invites including players from the top 50 in the world.
