Olympic gold medallist Justin Rose will defend his UBS Hong Kong Open title alongside Masters champion Danny Willett at the Hong Kong Golf Club from 8-11 December.
In keeping with the organizers' commitment to enhance accessibility to the tournament, entry to the first two rounds on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December will be free of charge.
The initiative follows on the success of last year’s free Thursday entry when over 10,000 fans came to see some of the world’s premier golfers in action, triggering record attendance of 42,099 spectators.
First played in 1959, the UBS Hong Kong Open is the city’s longest-running sporting event.
Rose and Willett created their own golfing history this year, with Willett charging to glory at the US Masters at Augusta National before his Team GB partner Rose won a titanic battle in Rio to become the first man to win an Olympic gold for golf in 112 years.
The Englishman won the UBS Hong Kong Open last year after a thrilling tussle with Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard and is looking forward to reacquainting himself with the Hong Kong Golf Club.
Rose said: “Winning at Fanling last year was great so I am really looking forward to defending my title. It’s a special venue and Hong Kong is an incredible city and one we all love to return to. The memories from winning last year are all good. Lucas and I kind of moved away from everyone else and had a good battle in the final round, which thankfully I came out on top of.
“Winning the Olympics was very special. I have to say it was one of the greatest weeks of my career. I think all of the golfers who were a part of the Olympics felt how special it was to be a part of the biggest sporting event in the world and it was great to see such great crowds in Rio.
Special guests including (from left) Dominique Boulet, Mark Chan, Emily Mo, Amy Lo, Kenneth Lam, and Vicky Jones
Special guests including (from left) Dominique Boulet, Mark Chan, Emily Mo, Amy Lo, Kenneth Lam, and Vicky Jones
Special guests including (from left) Dominique Boulet, Mark Chan, Emily Mo, Amy Lo, Kenneth Lam, and Vicky Jones
Ms Amy Lo, Head of UBS Wealth Management Greater China and Country Head of UBS Hong Kong said: “With Justin Rose defending his title after adding a golden moment in Rio and US Masters champion Danny Willett among the first of many confirmed star players, we are off to a great start and are confident that the UBS Hong Kong Open will be better than ever in 2016.
“Off-course, we remain committed to ensuring that the UBS Hong Kong Open is open to all in Hong Kong. Last year’s tournament was memorable for the record attendance and a renewed community outreach and the UBS Hong Kong Open Charity Cup, which will feature again in 2016. Last year it was the single most lucrative philanthropic event on both the European and Asian Tours, raising in excess of HKD2.3 million.”
Kenneth Lam, Captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Justin will be back to defend his title as the reigning Olympic champion. Also, we are thrilled to welcome back reigning Masters champion Danny Willett to the Hong Kong Golf Club this year.
Not only are they great players, but both are wonderful ambassadors for the game of golf, and great role models to inspire young people.”
Mark Chan, President of the Hong Kong Golf Association, said: “We very much look forward to welcoming big crowds to the UBS Hong Kong Open this year and hope the ‘Free Thursday and Friday’ ticket initiative can inspire a new generation of golfers in Hong Kong. The chance to watch players like Justin and Danny in action free of charge is a unique opportunity and we hope the public take advantage of this great initiative.”
The UBS Hong Kong Open is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and Hong Kong Golf Association.
