"Big Easy" to play in Singapore Open
Els, who last played here in 2011, is looking forward to Singapore date
After a five-year hiatus, the "Big Easy" will reacquaint himself with the Lion City and his fans here when he competes at next year's SMBC Singapore Open.
Former world No. 1 Ernie Els will tee off at Sentosa Golf Club's famous Serapong Course from Jan 19 to 22.
He last played here in 2011 at the Barclays Singapore Open at the same venue.
In a statement released on Monday (Nov 28), Els said: "The last time I played in Singapore was in 2011, so I am really looking forward to getting back there and having another shot at the title.
"It was good to see the tournament get back on the schedule earlier this year.
"There is a strong fan base of golf support there, it is a beautiful city and, of course, the Serapong Course is one of the best in Asia."
Australian Adam Scott, who has won the event a record three times, Spain's Sergio Garcia and South Korea's defending champion Song Young Han are also playing in the 51st edition of the tournament.
WINNER
Els, 47, has won more than 70 tournaments, including four Grand Slams, claiming the 1994 and 1997 US Open crowns and the 2002 and 2012 British Open titles.
The South African, who first visited Singapore in 1993, made his debut in the Singapore Open in 2006, when Scott retained the title after beating him by two strokes in a three-hole play-off.
Els finished joint runner-up in 2008, when Indian Jeev Milkha Singh took home the crown.
In 2009, he was equal 14th and tied for 23rd place in 2011.
Next year's tournament will also be part of The Open Qualifying Series, where the two leading non-exempt players who finish in the top 10 and ties will qualify for The 146th Open at Royal Birkdale in July.
SMBC Singapore Open
WHEN
Jan 19-22, 2017
WHERE
Serapong Course, Sentosa
WHO'S COMING
Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els, Song Young Han
TICKETS
Tickets for the 2017 Singapore Open are available at www.apactix.com/events/detail/smbc-singapore-open-2017
They can also be purchased from SingPost outlets, the Singapore Indoor Stadium and Scotts Square, or via the hotline at +65 3158 8588.
HOW MUCH
- For adults, tickets are priced at $20 each for the first two days, and at $30 each for the final two days.
- For children (aged 5 to 12), tickets are $10 each for the first two days and $20 each for the weekend.
- Season passes are at $60 each and $20 each for adults and children, respectively.
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