The Singapore Open Returns In 2022 With Bigger Purse

2020 SMBC Singapore Open champion Matt Kuchar of the USA – Paul Lakatos/Lagardére Sports

After a hiatus in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SMBC Singapore Open will make a welcome return in 2022 with an increased prize purse of US$1.25 million. The event will once again take place on the Serapong Course at the Sentosa Golf Club from 20 to 23 January.

The tournament is to be the final event of the 2020/21 Asian Tour season. Jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organization, it will decide who will be crowned The Asian Tour Order of Merit winner.

Said Ross Tan, President of the Singapore Golf Association, “The SMBC Singapore Open has always been a highlight on the local sporting calendar, and organisers have worked with the relevant authorities to create a truly unrivalled experience under the circumstances and in the safest possible manner. We look forward to welcoming the players back to Singapore and are confident of staging another successful edition of the SMBC Singapore Open.”

Lauded as the Best Golf Course on Tour in 2019, Andy Johnston – General Manager and Director of Agronomy, Sentosa Golf Club said, “

We are very excited to host and welcome the players back to Sentosa Island and Sentosa Golf Club again for the SMBC Singapore Open. Since we last hosted the tournament, we have made many improvements to The Serapong and we are very much looking forward to the players experiencing and enjoying the changes we have made.”

Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course

Public health and safety remain the highest priority during the event and organisers have been working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that all protocols will be followed.

All players and officials will also adhere to strict protocols including pre-departure tests and tests on arrival. While it is unlikely there will be spectators allowed, limited hospitality is planned.

Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour Commissioner and CEO said, “We are very pleased that the SMBC Singapore Open will be returning in 2022. The tournament has always been popular among players and fans, and we are confident that event organisers and partners are working hard to put together a high-quality event that is safe for all involved.”

Isao Aoki, Chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organization said, “The SMBC Singapore Open 2020 was the opening event of the 2020 Japan Golf Tour Organization. We are delighted to be starting our year in Singapore again in 2022 and resuming the Tour in style.”

Singapore’s flagship golf tournament has a storied history and has attracted some of golf’s biggest names since its inaugural edition in 1961. Stars who have competed here most recently include then-world No. 1 Jordan Spieth in 2016, and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia, who won the 2018 title.

In the 2020 edition, Matt Kuchar, the bronze medallist from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, pulled off a stunning comeback in the final round to win the tournament with an 18-under par total, turning the tables on gold medallist Justin Rose, who was three shots back to finish second.

England’s Paul Casey confirms his return to compete at the SMBC Singapore Open. – Paul Lakatos/Lagardére Sports.

Confirming his return to compete in the SMBC Singapore Open is England’s Paul Casey, who memorably claimed joint-second place in 2019 and is determined to improve on that result this year.

“I love the event, the golf course and the city and I definitely have some unfinished business there: I’d love to have my name on that trophy!” said Casey.

“Given the tough two years Asian golf has faced, I felt it was important I continue to support the event. As a global player, I feel obligated to help grow the game and impart my knowledge and experiences with the next generation of Asian golfers.”

Casey thrilled the galleries three years ago when he finished two shots behind Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond.