Garcia to return for SMBC Open

Crowd favourite Sergio Garcia will be back to defend his title at the SMBC Singapore Open in January, organisers confirmed yesterday.

The tournament, which will be played at Sentosa Golf Club from Jan 17-20, will have a prize purse of at least US$1 million (S$1.37m). It is jointly co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation.

Garcia was recently picked by Europe captain Thomas Bjorn for next week's Ryder Cup against the United States.

At this year's SMBC Open, the 38-year-old Spaniard arrived after winning the 2017 US Masters and he showed his class with a five-stroke victory.

He said: "It was great winning in Singapore earlier this year. The SMBC Singapore Open is a top-class event on a great golf course and I am pleased to be able to defend my title next year. Starting my golfing year in Singapore is definitely the way to go."

Singapore Golf Association president Ross Tan said it was great news that the defending champion is returning.

"It was wonderful that a Major champion of Garcia's stature added his name to the list of notables who have won the SMBC Singapore Open and it will be a pleasure to welcome him back as defending champion," he said.

"He is a true fan favourite and his play at this year's tournament was of an exceptionally high standard."

For the third straight season, the SMBC Open will be part of the qualifying series for the British Open.

The leading four non-exempt players will book their places for the 148th British Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, in Northern Ireland, from July 18 to 21.