(Mike Jansen, 23 June 2011, Hong Kong)

Organisers of the UBS Hong Kong Open scored a massive coup last year when they managed to clinch US Open champion Rory McIlroy‘s signature for two years (starting last year).

At the time the Irishman’s appearance fee was a fraction of what he can demand after winning his first-ever major at The Congressional this past weekend.  Reports are that McIlroy can now bank on an appearance fee of at least US$1 million.

McIlroy (pictured by Getty Images below) has played the UBS Hong Kong Open on 3 ocassions, but has not won in the Territory yet.  His closest shot at the title came in 2008 when he was involved in a dramatic tie with eventual winner, Taiwan’s Lin Wen Tang. (Watch the YouTube video below)

I was fortunate to share some time with the youngster at the Happy Valley Race Course ahead of the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open.  On the night, McIlroy tried his hand at the (horse) races and, while it’s not known whether he won anything, he did have a great time in the City.  Last year there were no minders, bodyguards or other appendages super stars come with these days. It will be interesting to see if anything has changed following his first Major win.

The 2008 Hong Kong Open

Molinari, McIlroy and Lin play-off. I haven’t been to too many big tournaments, let alone a 3-way play-off, but I am happy to say that I was standing right behind Lin Wen Tang when he played THAT amazing shot (2:15 into the video clip)!  The best player on the day eventually was crowned UBS Hong Kong Open Champion.

Take a bow Lin Wen Tang. 谢谢 !

Past winners since 2001 are:

2001 Jose Maria Olazabal (ESP)

2002 Fredrik Jacobson (SWE)

2003 Padraig Harrington (IRE)

2004 Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP)

2005 Colin Montgomerie (SCT)

2006 Jose Manuel Lara (ESP)

2007 Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP)

2008 Lin Wen Tang (TPE)

2009 Gregory Bourdy (FR)

2010 Ian Poulter (ENG)

Ian Poulter landed his tenth European Tour title by holding off all challengers at the UBS Hong Kong Open.

The 34 year old, who narrowly missed out at last week’s Barclays Singapore Open, closed with a three under par 67 to finish with a 22 under par aggregate of 258.

That was one clear of compatriot Simon Dyson and Italy’s Matteo Manassero, but in truth The Ryder Cup star never looked like relinquishing the advantage he had held since the second round.

A bogey at the last after his approach found the bunker slightly spoiled his card, but three birdies on the front nine and a brilliant eagle at the par five 13th – where he nailed his drive then faded a fairway wood approach to 12 feet – secured victory.

Dyson’s 65 saw him emerge as the main challenger, but after a front nine 30 the former UBS Hong Kong Open winner’s putter went cold on the way in and he picked up just one more shot.

Manassero’s eight under 62 confirmed the teenager’s outstanding talent, while American Anthony Kang took fourth ahead of Graeme McDowell – who having been second overnight will be disappointed not to have made a bigger dent in Martin Kaymer’s Race to Dubai lead.

World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play winner Poulter had hardly put a foot wrong all week and when he found water at the third it was his first bogey of the tournament.

The win also moves Poulter back inside the top ten on the Official World Golf Rankings and increases his earnings in The Race to Dubai to €1,983,142 – the most he has ever won in a single European Tour season.

“This feels more than good,” said Poulter. “I’ll be honest, the last two weeks I’ve been really disappointed. You know, Shanghai I was lying fourth with six holes to play and didn’t kick on and then last week I was in the lead for a number of holes.

“I was in position again to win and I didn’t do it because I didn’t convert the putts. I played nicely on Sunday but on Monday I didn’t quite convert the putts. I’ve played great all week this week. I think today, I actually played better to shoot three under than I did 10 under on Friday. I don’t think I’ve hit as many good golf shots in a long time.

“I felt calm all day. I felt as if I just kept going around my business, I’d make a few birdie putts and that would be enough to win. It’s very pleasing to do so. It’s also big for World Ranking points, Race to Dubai points so it’s all good.

“ I had a few objectives to get done coming out for six weeks on the bounce, and one of those was to obviously get up as high as I possibly cannot World Rankings, get up as high as I possibly can with The Race to Dubai so I had some good motivation to come out for six weeks and play good golf.”

(Friday, 19 November 2010, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong)

On a day when Hong Kong experienced earthquake tremors measuring 2.8 on the Richter Scale, Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter produced an earth-shattering second round 60 at the UBS Hong Kong Open to take a one stroke lead into the weekend.

The Englishman was in irresistible form as he conjured ten birdies en route to the 13 under par lead. Playing alongside Rory McIlroy, who was neck-and-neck with his Ryder Cup team-mate until a three-shot swing on the 18th hole, the dynamic duo treated the Fanling crowds to a golfing masterclass as they ripped it round the Hong Kong Golf Club.

McIlroy was one stroke ahead of Poulter on the 18th tee, but while McIlroy’s finish was a damp squib, making a double bogey six after finding the water, Poulter produced a sparkling birdie to post a 60 and take a one-shot lead over Anthony Kang.

McIlroy, who holed his seven iron approach for an eagle two on the ninth hole, is joined in a tie for third place on 11 under with former UBS Open champion Simon Dyson, while Race to Dubai contender Graeme McDowell finished the day on ten under alongside teen sensation Matteo Manassero, Jeev Milkha Singh, Anders Hansen and Thongchai Jaidee.

Rory McIlroy in action during the second round of the UBS Hong Kong Open (Pic: Getty Images)

But the day belonged to the imperious Poulter who was actually slightly disappointed after his round as he knew he will rarely have a better chance to shoot golf’s magic number of 59 no matter how much longer he plays the game.

“I do have mixed emotions,” admitted the World Number 14. “It’s one of those golf courses if you get off to a decent start, you feel as if you can shoot a low number and five under on the front nine was a great score.

“I had five birdies in a row from the 7th and then as soon as that happened, I kind of felt there’s plenty of chances coming for the 59. It was on alright. I mean, I hit a great putt at 17. I really wouldn’t have had it back again I thought it was in all the way but then a foot from the hole it stayed right on the grain. So I am happy, but slightly disappointed.

“Rory and I had a great battle today – the birdies around the middle of the course were good. Rory coming down the middle of 9 holes a 7 iron, which I thought was pretty cheeky, great shot that it was. And I managed to roll a 30 foot putt in on top of him which was nice.

“He then holes a nice 15 footer on the next and I kind of roll it in from three feet and then I hit it stiff on 11. So it was a good match. I knew he was going to play well today and I knew I had to go out there and shoot a low score obviously to stay in touch. I’m sure he’s a little disappointed to finish like that, but Rory is playing well and it’s going to be an exciting weekend.

“I did feel the earth move today – on the 14th tee. I wondered what it was as I was just about to put my ball on the tee peg and I did feel a little tremor.”

Ian Poulter in action during the second round of the UBS Hong Kong Open (Pic: Getty Images)

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:

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.

South Africa’s 4th and 5th ranked players Rory Sabbatini and Charl Schwartzel remains at the top of the leaderboard after round 1 of the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open.  Both players carded a five under 65 at Fanling in Hong Kong’s New Territories.

The top twenty players in South Africa was recently listed after the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai, China.  World number sixteen Ernie Els top the list followed by Retief Goosen and Tim Clarke.

Honours even between Westwood and McIlroy

Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy remained locked in their Race To Dubai battle when they carded matching four-under-par 66s on the opening day of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Thursday (12 November). 

The duo’s efforts left them four shots off the lead in the US$2.5 million showpiece being held at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.

World No.4 Westwood mixed six birdies with two bogeys on his debut in the tournament. 

“It was good,” said the English ace. “The only green I missed was the last hole I played and that is a tough hole, No.9. I wouldn’t say I flushed it but I had enough control to hit 17 out of 18 greens.  “I had a lot of chances but found the greens very puzzling. I think I’m at a real disadvantage having only played the course once before [in the pro-am].

“It’s alright learning a course tee to green – it’s pretty obvious how you play tee to green – but on the greens, it’s such an advantage having played a few tournaments round here. So to start with four-under 66, I’m delighted.

“The only two bogeys I made were three putts and I had a load of chances.”

Asked what was so tough about the greens, Westwood replied: “The grain. It really does affect the ball, as much as anywhere. Sometimes it breaks up the hill.  “After about six or seven holes I called my caddie in and he had more of an idea. We gradually got it right and I eventually holed a couple.” 

As for the Race To Dubai, Westwood said he was trying not to think about it while playing this week. “I’m trying to win the UBS Hong Kong Open and that’s all,” he insisted.

Westwood leads the Race To Dubai with season earnings of €2,404,579 – a lead of €52,320 over McIlroy with just two tournaments remaining, Hong Kong and next week’s Dubai World Championship. 

McIlroy – joint runner-up in the UBS Hong Kong Open last year – had five birdies and a lone bogey as he kept pace with his rival. 

“There are 54 holes left so it doesn’t matter until Sunday,” the Northern Irish youngster said of his battle with Westwood. “We’re both playing pretty well to be in the positions we’re in so I’m not surprised Lee is up there. 

“I’ve just got to keep doing it. I’m not sure if three more 66s will be good enough so I might need to go a little better over the next three days.”

McIlroy admitted that playing in his third straight UBS Hong Kong Open could give him an advantage over Westwood.  “It’s just a question of getting used to the grain,” he said. “I don’t struggle too much. You just have to look to see which way the grass is going and then guess how much the grass is going to affect a putt. There’s no exact science to it.” 

Thailand’s Udorn Duangdecha leads the tournament after carding a superb eight-under 62.

Lee Westwood hands his ball to his caddy during the first round of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Thursday, 12 November 2009. Westwood carded a four-under-par 66. (Pic: Paul Lakatos/UBS Hong Kong Open)

From the Kowloon Cricket Club two weekends ago, to the HK Golf Club this week, international sports action in Hong Kong continues!

As far as action is concerned, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes this year definately did not disappoint.  Following on last year’s last ball drama when England was crowned Champions, Davy Jacobs’ South Africa this time around, followed suit when man-of-the-moment Farhaan Behardien hit a massive six off the last ball with 5 runs needed to win!

Change to Sheung Shui and who could ever forget last years play-off between Irish upstart Rory McIlroy and Taiwan Lin Wen-Tang for the 2008 UBS Hong Kong Open title.  Here’s a reminder:

It’s that time again and tournament organisers and sponsors UBS have assembled the best-ever field to line up in the New Territories for the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Golf Open.  South Africa’s onslaught will be led by the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Champion Rory Sabbatini.

Getting to the UBS Hong Kong Open

Those of you Saffas who want to travel out to Fan Ling can make use of the free shuttle buses from Admiralty and Kowloon Tong MTR Stations.  Buses will depart from these two locations every half-hour starting from 9am to 12:30 pm on Saturday-Sunday (14-15 November 2009).  The return journeys will commence from 3 pm to 6 pm from Sheung Shui.

If you want to attend play on Thursday-Friday, take the MTR to Sheung Shui station from where there will be a free shuttle service to the HKGC.  Departures will be every half -hour:

Starting from 07:00 – 18:00 on Thursday/Friday;

and every 15 minutes from 08:00 – 19:30 on Saturday/Sunday.

Tickets

Tickets available at www.cityline.com at any Parsons Music Branch or via Cityline hotline 2111 5333.

Ticket prices: Thu-Fri (HK$120/day), Sat (HK$250), Sun (HK$300), all four days (HK$400)

See you in Sheung Shui!

Memories of how Jason Hak took the golf world by storm 12 months ago will spur on competitors at this week’s UBS Hong Kong Open Qualifying Tournament. 

The talented teenager seized his chance last year when he qualified for the main draw and went on to become the youngest player ever to make the cut at a European Tour event.

A total of 42 Hong Kong players will be aiming to emulate Hak when the qualifying tournament is held this Thursday and Friday (15-16 October) at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course.

“It is a fantastic chance for Hong Kong players to rub shoulders with some of the best golfers in the world,” said Hong Kong Golf Association chief executive Iain Valentine.  “Jason showed how to do it last year when he came through the qualifying tournament and then raised his game to a whole new level at the UBS Hong Kong Open.

 “I’m sure the memory of his astonishing achievement last year will be the perfect encouragement for the players at Kau Sai Chau this week.”

 Hak – born in Hong Kong and now resident in Florida – sent shockwaves through the golf world when he carded two rounds of even-par 70 to make the cut at last year’s UBS Hong Kong Open.

 Local teenager Jason Hak (Picture: Two Up Front)

At 14 years and 304 days, he eclipsed the European Tour record set by Sergio Garcia of Spain , who was 15 years and 46 days when he made the cut at the Turespana Open Mediterrania in Valencia in 1995.

Hak has no requirement to compete at Kau Sai Chau this time as he has received an exemption into the main draw from title sponsor UBS.

The field – comprising 25 professionals and 17 amateurs – will play two rounds as they chase four slots in the US$2.5 million showpiece.  The 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open will be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from 12-15 November.

The world class field will be spearheaded by Korean ace Yang Yong Eun, who became Asia ’s first Major winner when he triumphed at the US PGA Championship in August.

Also in the line-up will be defending champion Lin Wen Tang of Chinese Taipei and the man he beat in last year’s unforgettable playoff duel, brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy.