Singapore: Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open champion and a star of Europe’s triumphant Ryder Cup team last year, will be the headline act at next month’s Porsche Singapore Classic at Laguna National Golf Resort Club.
The tournament, from March 21-24, will mark the beginning of the Asian Swing on the 2024 Race to Dubai and will boast a prize purse of US$2.5 million – a 25 per cent increase from last year’s inaugural event.
Irishman Lowry will be returning to Singapore for the first time since 2012. The 36-year-old made his maiden appearance in Singapore in 2009 – the same year he made history as the first amateur winner of the Irish Open.
“I love being able to play all over the world, so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Singapore for the Porsche Singapore Classic,” said the two-time Ryder Cup player.
“I played in Singapore a few times earlier in my career and loved experiencing everything the city has to offer. I’ve never played at Laguna National before but I’ve heard good things and it looks a great test.
“With Porsche now on board I’m sure it’s going to be a great week and I can’t wait to get out there in March.”
Mark Bates, Laguna National’s Director of Golf – Business Development and Projects, said: “Whenever you have a Major champion in the field, it elevates the status of a tournament. We’re looking forward to welcoming Shane to Laguna National and to seeing how he tackles the Classic Course.”
It was last month that Porsche announced it is continuing its long-standing relationship with the DP World Tour by extending its global golf involvement with a new multi-year deal to become Title Partner of the Singapore Classic.
With this partnership, the sports car manufacturer is internationalising its activities in professional golf and affording its worldwide customers and fans additional exclusive brand experiences. The deal complements Porsche’s current worldwide activities in customer sport, revolving around the Porsche Golf Cup and the Porsche Golf Circle.
The DP World Tour returned to Singapore last year after an eight-year hiatus with South African Ockie Strydom triumphing at Laguna National.
The DP World Tour first visited Singapore in 1993, with Major champions Sir Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam winning the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1993 and 1996. Fellow Major champions Vijay Singh and Adam Scott are also winners on the DP World Tour in Singapore.
The 2006 edition of the Singapore Masters, held at Laguna National, was the scene of the most memorable moment in the country’s golfing history, when home favourite Mardan Mamat lifted the trophy, finishing one stroke ahead of England’s Nick Dougherty.
*Laguna National Golf Resort Club is a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
Main picture; Shane Lowry will headline the field at Laguna National Golf Resort Club in next month’s Porsche Singapore Classic. Picture by Sean Haffey/Getty Images.
C/O AGIF