After becoming the first world No.1 to play in Korea and the first to win the Ballantine’s Championship, Lee Westwood would like to be the first player to retain the trophy.

“Yes, I’d like to come back,” confirmed Westwood after his dramatic victory at Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul on Sunday. “I always try to defend a tournament.”

The English star triumphed by one shot over Spanish veteran Miguel Ángel Jiménez to underline his status as the world’s best player.

He is the first world No.1 to win the Ballantine’s Championship after victories by Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell in 2008, Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee in 2009 and Marcus Fraser of Australia 12 months ago.

And he had a special word of praise for the Korean galleries who turned out in large numbers to cheer on the players.

“The fans were great, very supportive, and it just shows the keenness of the Korean public to come out and watch the players they’ve seen on TV playing in other parts of the world,” said Westwood.

Sunday marked the day the €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship came of age.

After the first three editions of the tournament were played on the Korean holiday island of Jeju, organisers moved the event to just outside Seoul and were rewarded with large galleries and a duel between the world No.1 and one of golf’s great characters.

It ended when Jiménez’s 14-foot birdie putt at the last slid past the hole, leaving Westwood the winner by a single shot. It was his second victory in a row following his success in the previous week’s Indonesian Masters.

Also “leaving an impression” on the 2011 tournament were Korean challenger Park Sang Hyun, who delighted the home fans with an eagle at the last to finish third, and American star Dustin Johnson – making his competitive debut in Asia – who was fourth.

“The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship has been a huge success for us and on behalf of everyone at Ballantine’s I’d like to congratulate world No.1 Lee Westwood for his truly impressive win,” said Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, owner of Ballantine’s.

“The stunning course proved an exciting challenge for our strongest field yet and Lee mastered it beautifully.

“The exceptionally high level of competition between the world’s best players and Korean’s rising stars was testament to the way in which our tournament has gone from strength to strength. Our aim was to step up a level in our fourth year and we certainly achieved this at Blackstone Golf Club.

“Ballantine’s is proud of its golf heritage and continues to be committed to international golf in the long-term. We look forward to staging Korea’s premier golf event again next year.”

World No.1 Lee Westwood hits a drive in front of a stand packed with Korean golf fans on his way to victory in the 2011 Ballantine’s Championship. (Pic: Paul Lakatos/Parallel Media Group)

Coming straight after the opening Major of the year, The Masters Tournament from 7-10 April, Nike Golf team up with Nike Athlete Tiger Woods for the first Nike Golf “Make It Matter” Tour in China and Korea.

The Nike “Make It Matter” Tour aims to illuminate the sport of golf in Asia among youth, golf fans and aspiring athletes alike — all through the insights shared by Woods as it relates to golf, including athletic training, practicing, preparing for competition and product innovation.

The Tour’s first stop in Asia is the Mission Hills Golf Club, marking the second time the club has hosted Woods. His inaugural visit 10 years ago was a landmark event for Chinese golf development, raising the game’s profile both domestically and overseas.

An excited Tenniel Chu, Vice Chairman of Mission Hills Golf Club said: “We warmly welcome the return of Tiger Woods. Ten years ago, his visit was an important milestone for Mission Hills and the golf community in China.

“Mission Hills has long been committed to developing golf events for young people and training the next generation of players in China. We lookforward to cooperate with Nike Golf and hope Tiger Woods’ strong appeal will attract more enthusiasts into the game of golf, especially among our younger athletes.”

As part of the Nike “Make It Matter” Tour, Mission Hills will host the Nike Golf Junior Championships for golfers aged 12 to 18.

The tournament will be held from 11-12 April at the Mission Hills Duval Course, with 120 young golfers competing for the chance to meet Woods in person. All contestants will also be invited to participate in the Tiger Woods Golf Clinic on 12 April on the Olazabal Course.

During his last visit 10 years ago, junior golfers such as Han Ren and Feng Yue had the chance to play with Woods, with both going to become some of China’s leading amateur golfers after that experience.

Woods will also share some of Nike Golf’s innovative new products with the junior golfers, alongside Nike Golf President Cindy Davis.

Nike Golf ‘Make It Matter’ Asia Tour activities include ：

· Tiger Woods Golf Clinic

· Tiger Woods demonstration

· Tiger Woods discussion on product development

· Tiger Woods and Cindy Davis media meeting

· Tiger Woods discussion on player exercise/training

(Additional image of Tiger Woods by http://americansportss.wikispaces.com/Golf)

World No.1 Lee Westwood will headline a quartet of golfing greats at the €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship in Korea this April.

The English ace will be joined by South African superstar Ernie Els, world No.10 Ian Poulter and Asia’s first Major winner, YE Yang, as the tournament moves to the prestigious Blackstone Resort in Seoul.

Westwood will be making his first visit to Korea since playing in the 2009 Ballantine’s Championship at Pinx Golf Club on the holiday island of Jeju.

In the 21 months since he has been in superb form – winning the inaugural Race to Dubai in 2009, claiming four top-three finishes in Majors, winning on the US Tour for the first time in a decade, and ending Tiger Woods’ five-year reign at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking.

“I thoroughly enjoyed playing in the Ballantine’s Championship in 2009 and I’m very much looking forward to returning to the tournament this year,” said Westwood.

“It is exciting that the event is moving to Blackstone Resort, I’ve heard great things about the venue and, like the vast majority of the players, it will be my first time there so it promises to be quite a challenge. “I enjoyed a fantastic 2010 and becoming the world No.1 has been the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition. Obviously, I’m very keen to maintain the momentum in 2011 so I’m aiming to put on a great display for the Korean fans.

“Korea has really put itself on the world golf map these past few years with the performances of its top players and the facilities there are second to none, so it has all the makings of a great week.”

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship – once again co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA – will be played at Blackstone Resort in Icheon, just south of Seoul, from 28 April to 1 May. The club will host the event for at least the next three years.

It will be the first time that the exclusive venue – which opened only in 2009 and has just 300 members – has hosted a professional tournament.

Ernie Els has more than 60 victories worldwide including three Majors – the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and the British Open in 2002.

He recently won the South African Open Championship for an astonishing fifth time and will be looking to make it third time lucky at the Ballantine’s Championship after top 10 finishes in the past two years.

“I’ve got off to a great start this season and hopefully I can maintain this form throughout the year,” he said.

“I enjoyed my two previous visits to the Ballantine’s Championship and both times I was in with a shout going into the final day, so the aim this time is to take any chances that come my way and be in the mix again on Sunday.”

Ian Poulter in Hong Kong (Pic: Getty Images)

Ian Poulter will be appearing in the Ballantine’s Championship for the first time although he previously finished runner-up in the 2008 Korean Open.

He enjoyed a career year in 2010 – becoming the first English winner of a WGC event when he captured the Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona, then playing a starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup success, before ending the year on a high with victory in the Hong Kong Open.

“I’ve got fond memories of my last appearance in Korea so I’m really looking forward to making my Ballantine’s Championship debut,” said Poulter.

“I’ve heard great things about the tournament from my fellow professionals and I’m told the Blackstone course is exceptional, so it promises to be a great week. I had a wonderful 2010 and I’m very optimistic about what this year holds in store for me.”

Korean YE Yang made history – and earned hero status in his native Korea – in 2009 by becoming Asia’s first Major winner when he fended off Woods to clinch the US PGA Championship. Now he is looking forward to his third appearance in the Ballantine’s Championship.

“It’s always a thrill to play in front of my home fans so I’m full of anticipation for this year’s Ballantine’s Championship,” he said. “The Korean galleries are always so supportive and knowledgeable and they love seeing the home players mix it with some of the world’s best.

“It’s fantastic for Korean golf that the Ballantine’s Championship is going from strength to strength and this year’s tournament promises to be the best yet.”

Korea’s YE Yang (Pic: SportyDeskTops)

When we lived in Ma On Shan in the New Territories, I used to frequent one of the loveliest golf driving ranges in Hong Kong, convenient located about 10 minutes from our apartment.  These days I don’t mind making the hour-long trek out that way, especially when the weather is as nice as it was today.

The WhiteHead Golf Driving range is located about 10 minutes (by taxi) from Ma On Shan’s town centre.  There is also a free shuttle bus from the Sunshine City mall (where the Ma On Shan MTR station is).

The charge per hour is HK$100 and you can also rent clubs if you don’t have your own or don’t feel like lugging them all that way.  You are not restricted in terms of balls and buckets filled with balls are stacked 4-high behind every bay.

You can also rent kiddies clubs for which the charge is HK$10 per club (refundable deposit HK$100)

Other than the driving range, you can also rent bicycles  and explore the seaside area all the way to Wu Kai Sha where you can find a plethora of really good seafood restaurants.

If you’re into “Chinese-style” braai (BBQ) then you can reserve a BBQ-spot that comes complete with a (Chinese-style) BBQ pack.  Right down to the ubiquitous two-prong forks.  Beer is a wee on the expensive side from the sea-side kiosk (HK$15 Heineken/Blue Lady).

Click here to read more about the WhiteHead Club.

I took some photos today:

A stunning view of the Tolo Harbour with Plover Cove Reservoir in the background. (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Deck-chairs at the kiosk… (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Try your hand at one of the over 100 bays (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Perfect follow-though. Trying my hand at hitting a small white ball (Pic: Mike Jansen)

(I am busy going through my iPhone after this past weekend’s UBS Hong Kong and I’m discovering a lot of footage and pics not used so far.

Expect some more posts on this past weekend’s golf.)

The Hong Kong media and the bizarre questions asked at pressies…

I have attended my fair share of press conferences and media events covering sports events over the past 3 years.

I don’t know if it’s a cultural clash or maybe a language issue, but the Hong Kong media never fails to astound with the questions asked, in the main to visiting sportsmen and women.

I remember hearing a staffer with the (co-sanctioning body) European Tour commenting after the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open Media Launch: “Well, that was interesting!”

And it always is.

I had my iPhone at the Champion’s press conference after the UBS Hong Kong Open and caught this short interaction:

Cheers to Ian Poulter, winner of the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open for his straight-faced response!

(Mike Jansen, Hong Kong 18 November 2010)

I cover quite a number of sports events in Hong Kong on behalf of Howzit-HongKong.com and BlitzBokke.com and obviously I have my favourites.

I have never been good at golf, but the Hong Kong Open in November must rank right up there with my personal favourite, the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens.

Funnily enough, not for athletic reasons at all.  To those who know me, no… it’s not because of the free Nespresso booth, sandwich bar or the well-stocked, well-iced Heineken freezer in the Media Centre.

Having a reason to take the MTR to the New Territories town of Sheung Shui for four days in November every year is bliss.  If you’ve lived in a city like Hong Kong for about four years, you will understand.  Let me give you a simple reason:

I can count on one hand the number of times I have felt grass under my bare feet.

I know what you’re thinking and coming from South Africa, it’s almost ludicrous to think that such a simple experience can be missed so much. But it is.

I attend quite a number of rugby games which makes it even more unbelievable, but this being Hong Kong, you’re either not allowed to touch the rugby turf by over-enthusiastic security guards, or it is not real grass but “astro turf” instead.  Like at the Hong Kong Football Club for the Hong Kong Tens or even at King’s Park where a lot of club games take place.

But again, I digress.

The HK Golf Club in Sheung Shui seen from above

Sheung Shui is located in the furthest part of the northern New Territories, a few minutes away from the Hong Kong/Shenzen border.

It’s a leafy town with roads so wide, Lee Shau Kee and the other Hong Kong ‘property pirates‘ must drool whenever they pass through.

It’s a town with more trees than there are cars. Trees that are, unlike here in the city, unlabeled.

It’s a town where mothers collect their little ones from school by bicycle.

It’s a town where, in the early evening… you can smell the soil, the trees, the freshly-cut grass.

Like I did today, at the conclusion of Day 1 of the UBS Hong Kong Open.

I love Sheung Shui in November.

The sun sets over the Hong Kong Golf Club in Sheung Shui (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Some of the world’s leading golfers visited UBS headquarters in Hong Kong this afternoon to help tee off the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open.

The Media Launch was made just that more special by the Chinese Lion Dance Troupe who made sure that the media and players were reminded that this is indeed a Chinese event.

Appearing at today’s press launch were Ryder Cup stars, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, defending Hong Kong Open champion, Grégory Bourdy, PGA Tour star, the very colorful John Daly, and China’s top pro, Liang Wen-Chong.

The world-class field has the potential to make the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open one of the most competitive in the 52-year history of the event.

Any of a number of in-form players is in with a chance of lifting the trophy on Sunday afternoon, not least the plethora of erstwhile Ryder Cup teammates taking part.

McIlroy, McDowell and Poulter were all instrumental in achieving Europe’s momentous win, as was two-time Hong Kong Open champion, Miguel Angel Jimenez, who returns in search of his third Hong Kong title.

Defending champion Gregory Bourdy speaks at the media launch in Hong Kong (Pic: Mike Jansen)

All will be performing under the watchful eyes of their Ryder Cup team captain and vice captain, Colin Montgomerie and Paul McGinley, respectively – both of whom are also competing at Fanling.

Unfinished business

Rory McIlroy, in particular, will be looking to go one better than his two consecutive runner-up finishes in Hong Kong in 2008 and 2009.

“It’s fair to say that I have some unfinished business in Hong Kong. I won’t rest until I have the UBS Hong Kong Open title in my bag,” said Rory McIlroy before the Ryder Cup.

Standing in his way is US Open Champion, Graeme McDowell (pictured left below)

Buddies off the field, McDowell & McIlroy at today’s media launch (Pic: Mike Jansen)

“I have enjoyed the best season of my career this year. Winning the UBS Hong Kong Open would be the icing on the cake,” said McDowell.

However, needless to say, the player who (literally) stood out during today’s proceeding was the always colorful John Daly who attended the Media Launch with his partner in matching pants; his long, her’s skimpy.

Unfortunately for our readers we didn’t manage to get any pictures of the Missus in her outfit (yet!)

John Daly waits to be interviewed by NowSport (Pic: Mike Jansen)

The UBS Hong Kong Open 2010 takes place in Fanling from Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 November 2010.

Here are some images from today’s Media launch:

Much like the late-night shenanigans of the recently completed World Cup, this was one to stay up for.

I caught the final flurry of The Open at St Andrews where Louis Oosthuizen captured his first Major in fine, fine style, concluding at the 18th hole at about 01h30 Hong Kong time.

Mosselbaai native Louis Oosthuizen (or “Lewis Oorsten-howzen” as per the ESPN commentary team) just clinched his first-ever golf Major by winning The Open at the home of golf, St Andrews.

Oosthuizen won his first major title by seven strokes over runner-up Lee Westwood of England on the famed Old Course.

He also became the first player since American Tony Lema in 1964 to win his first major title at the birthplace of golf, firing a final-round one-under par 71 to finish 72 holes on 16-under par 272.

England’s Lee Westwood finished second on nine-under, his fourth top-three finish in the past five majors.  Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Sweden’s Henrik Stenson and England’s Paul Casey shared third on eight-under.

This historic win was made special when Oosthuizen, before saying anything else during his acceptance speech, wished former South African president Nelson Mandela a very happy 92nd birthday.

All hail our newest Champion:

Lodewikus Theodorus Oosthuizen.

The Champion at St Andrews… Louis Oosthuizen

This is mine! The Open 2010 Champions Louis Oosthuizen

Louis Oosthuizen embraces his caddy after clinching The Open title.

As my son Ethan will say: “Group Hug!”

One always hears about company executives bragging about ”doing deals on the golf course.”  Well, this time around it gets serious… really serious.  Or as they say back home: SERI-AAAAS!

Howzit-HongKong recently learned that, in the crowded world of international golf, there is a World Corporate Golf Challenge that pits the best of the best executives from companies all over the world for the honour of representing their company and region at the biggy… the finals of the World Corporate Golf Challenge at the Fancourt Links in South Africa nogal!

For your information:

The Links at Fancourt was added to the Fancourt estate in 2000, and is an awe-inspiring example of magnificent design and golf-course construction, about which designer Gary Player says: “Links golf is how the game originated and at The Links we take golfers back to the roots of golf – and they can play a ‘British Open’ all of their own!” 

South Africa’s other famous international golfer, Ernie “The Big Easy” Els has a home close by, while George also plays host to the South African leg of the International Rugby Board’s World Sevens Rugby Series in December every year.

The winners of the Hong Kong edition of the World Corporate Golf Challenge will travel to the magnificent George region to play golf, and represent Hong Kong at the finest course in South Africa.

So all you golf-loving business executives out there in the SAR, here’s your chance to represent your company – and Hong Kong – on the world stage.

The territory is to host a leg of the World Corporate Golf Challenge – the prestigious inter-companies tournament that each year sees thousands of businessmen around the globe transfer their boardroom battles to the fairways.

The fantastic prize on offer to the winners of the Hong Kong event is an all-expenses paid trip to play in the World Final in South Africa next May.

Twenty teams – comprising four players who each have a maximum handicap of 24 – will contest the WCGC Hong Kong on Friday, 5 March 2010 at the Discovery Bay Golf Club on Lantau Island.

“Corporate golfers in Hong Kong have been crying out for a meaningful and high-profile tournament that carries a real incentive to play well,” said Simon Wait, project director of event organisers Two Up Front.

“This goes way beyond your typical corporate golf event. As well as enjoying an ultra-competitive tournament at one of the most picturesque courses in Asia, the teams will be playing for a fantastic prize – the chance to represent Hong Kong in a world tournament at an exotic location.

“Initial interest from the corporate sector is very strong and we are expecting a rush of entries from companies keen to claim bragging rights on the golf course.

“Moreover, this will be an annual event for the Hong Kong business community to look forward to and, as word spreads, we expect it to become even more popular, especially as the World Final is regularly moved to a new location.”

Previous World Finals have been held in Jamaica, Mauritius, Malaysia and Spain.

The 2010 World Final – featuring teams from more than 20 countries and territories – will take place at the beautiful Fancourt and Oubaai Golf Clubs in South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route region from 3-8 May 2010.

The WCGC Hong Kong already has its first sponsor – organisers have reached agreement with HK Golfer to be the Official Golf Magazine of the tournament.

Hong Kong-based sports PR and publishing specialists Two Up Front have secured a long-term licence to host the Hong Kong leg from the WCGC’s parent company in Spain.

They are co-organising the tournament with event management company Laxton Marketing Consultants, who have offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. The two firms have previously worked together on other high profile sporting events, including the HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens and the Hong Kong Tens rugby tournament.

Companies requiring information about sponsorship opportunities or wishing to register a team in the WCGC Hong Kong should call Amy Broomhead on 3579 8110 or email amy@laxtonmarketing.com.

Make the boss proud and enter.

Grégory Bourdy held off a hard charging Rory McIlroy to win the UBS Hong Kong Open by two shots on Sunday (15 November). 

The Frenchman carded a polished three-under-par 67 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling to finish on 19-under 261 for the tournament.  Northern Irish youngster McIlroy showed flashes of his prodigious talent in compiling a 64, but fell just short in the US$2.5 million showpiece for the second year in a row. 

“It’s great, I had a fantastic week,” said a champagne-soaked Bourdy, 27. “It’s my best golf week, best golf day today. I played very consistent. I missed a few putts at the start of the round but I stayed confident.

“It’s my mother’s birthday today so I dedicate this to her. My girlfriend Anabelle is here also and everything went right.”

“I was relaxed today and all week. I was so confident. I tried to enjoy all my shots, all my rounds and did it. I missed just a few shots this week. I can’t believe it was so nice to play like this.”

 A triumphant Bourdy poses with the UBS HK Open trophy in the fading Fanling light (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Bourdy, the overnight leader by two shots, was unflappable down the stretch, picking up birdies at the 10th and 13th and calmly playing the final five holes to par. 

McIlroy, 20, roared on by the galleries, did his best to put Bourdy under pressure and closed the gap to one shot with consecutive birdies at the 15th and 16th.  But a three-putt bogey at the 17th took the wind out of his sails and Bourdy arrived at Fanling’s notoriously difficult final hole with a two-shot cushion. 

Bourdy collected the winner’s cheque for US$416,660 and enjoyed the bonus of leaping into the top 60 on the European Tour’s Race To Dubai, thereby qualifying for next week’s season-ending Dubai World Championship, “I wanted to stay focused on my game, play shot by shot, and I knew if I was three or four-under it would be OK to win the tournament,” said Bourdy.

“I didn’t look at the leaderboard until the 18th so I didn’t know Rory played well. I was three-under after 14 holes and it was nice to finish with a par on the 18th as it’s a tough hole. 

Unfortunately for the Frenchman, there was little time to soak up the Hong Kong adoration and celebrate his victory as he immediately jetted out of the SAR to Dubai for next week’s Dubai World Championship. 

“Dubai was the target before I played here. I knew if I won I’d go to Dubai but first was to play well today and win the UBS Hong Kong Open. I’ve played well, won and I’m going to Dubai, so I have everything.”

The victory was Bourdy’s third European Tour title after victories in the 2007 Mallorca Classic and the Open de Portugal last year. 

 A disappointed McIlroy speaks to the media after his final round at FanLing (Pic: Mike Jansen)

McIlroy – joint runner-up in the UBS Hong Kong Open a year ago after losing a three-way playoff to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen Tang – was forced to settle for second best again. 

But he could take consolation in the fact that he overtook Lee Westwood at the top of the Race To Dubai standings.  World No.17 McIlroy, who earned US$277,770 for his second place, refused to be too downhearted and paid tribute to the winner.

“I played lovely, really, really well,” he said. “I thought I needed a low one and went out with the mindset that if I went lower than 65 then I might have a chance, but Grégory obviously played very well. 

“If I’d birdied one of the last two holes I might have given myself a chance, so that’s the way it goes. I’m a bit disappointed at the moment but I have the consolation of going back to the top of the Race To Dubai. 

“There’s a lot that can go on next week but my goal this week was to win the UBS Hong Kong Open and I’ve come up just short again, for the second year in a row. But I gave it my best shot and that’s all I can do.”

Of the 3 South African contenders who made the cut, Charl Schwartzel finished highest at 10 under.  He was followed by Rory Sabbatini one shot back at 9 under, while Andrew McLardy concluded the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open at 7 under par.