Singapore: The seventh edition of The Championship will be held at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea, from May 1 to 4, 2014, after the promoter Parallel Media Group (PMG) extended its existing agreement to stage the tournament.
The Championship, which will carry a prize fund of US$1.5million, will again be co-sanctioned by The European Tour, the Asian Tour and the Korea Professional Golfers Association (KPGA). An announcement on a new title sponsor will be made shortly.
Formerly the Ballantine’s Championship, the tournament was won last year by Australia’s Brett Rumford, who promptly completed a quick-fire Asian double by winning the Volvo China Open the following week. Previous winners also include Thongchai Jaidee (2009), Graeme McDowell (2008) and Lee Westwood (2011).
As in previous years, the event will again be screened live in Korea on J Golf and Korean Broadcasting System (KBS).
David Ciclitira, Chairman of PMG, said: “We are fully committed to staging a tournament in Korea, and so we had no hesitation in extending our agreement to stage The Championship. Over the past six years it has developed into one of the most prestigious tournaments in Asia, and we will continue to grow the event in the future.
“We would like to thank Ballantine’s for their sponsorship of the tournament for the past six years, and we look forward to announcing a new title sponsor in due course.”
Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of The European Tour, said: “Korea is an increasingly important marketplace for The European Tour, so after six very successful tournaments we are delighted that PMG have agreed to extend their commitment to promote this event.
“Through our very close relationship with PMG and our co-sanctioning partners, the Asian Tour and the KPGA, we are very confident of re-establishing The Championship as one of the leading events in Asia.”
Kyi Hla Han, Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “On behalf of our talented players, the Asian Tour is looking forward to returning to Korea with our partners, The European Tour and Korean PGA for the staging of The Championship. The Asian Tour is represented by the leading players from across the region, and we look forward to showcasing the best of Asian golf at Blackstone Golf Club.
“Over the years, the Asian Tour has provided a career pathway for leading Korean players, such as KJ Choi, YE Yang, Bae Sang-moon, Charlie Wi and Noh Seung-yul, who all enjoyed success in Asia before achieving prominence in the world of golf. We believe there will be many more talented Korean players emerging in the near future through the staging of The Championship and the Asian Tour.”
Hwang Sung Ha, Chairman of the KPGA, said: “It is great news that Korea will host this tournament with The European Tour and the Asian Tour. Playing with the best players in the world can only help Korean golfers improve and develop their games, so we are really looking forward to welcoming the cream of the European Tour and the Asian Tour to Blackstone Golf Club next May.”
Jin Jeong recently became the seventh Korean player to win on The European Tour when he captured his debut title at the ISPS HANDA Perth International.
