The world famous Scotch whisky Ballantine’s will title sponsor the Ballantine’s Championship to be held in Korea next year, and also enter into a collaboration with the top golfer in China, Liang Wen-chong to establish the Ballantine’s Liang Wen-chong Golf Fund.
Both Ballantine’s and golf have their roots in Scotland and share the value of “Authenticity with Flair”. The Ballantine’s Championship offers total prize money of US$ 2.9 million (€ 2 million) and will take place at the Pinx Golf Club on the picturesque Jeju island of Korea from March 13 to 16, 2008. It will be the largest golf tournament in Korea.
Being the number one selling Super Premium Scotch whisky in Asia, the collaboration between Ballantine’s and golf will certainly benefit each other.
Bill Bergius, Ballantine’s Heritage Director, expressed, “The heritage and character at Ballantine’s align perfectly with the global merits of golf. The true spirit of integrity, a positive mindset and a fair-play attitude are values that run through both of Ballantine’s and golf.
"Through sponsoring the Ballantine’s Championship, Ballantine’s and golf can trace their origins in Scotland, and further develop their shared character and values in the important Asia market.”
Vicky Jones, Client Services Director (Asia) of The European Tour, said, “The Ballantine’s Championship is the first European Tour event to take place in Korea. The participation of world-class players in addition to the Asian Tour No.1 Liang Wen-chong will make the Ballantine’s Championship the focus of the golf world.”
The establishment of the Ballantine’s Liang Wen-chong Golf Fund also boosts the development of golf in China. The Fund aims to help Chinese golfers improve their skills and gain competitive experience. Chinese professional and amateur players over the age of 18 are eligible to apply to the Fund.
“Liang Wen-chong is the top ranked golfer in China. In addition, he won the European Tour’s Singapore Masters and the title of 2007 Asian Tour Leading Money Winner”, Bergius said.
“His success is an encouragement for other players in China. Through the Education Programme and Experience Programme, Ballantine’s Liang Wen-chong Golf Fund will provide more extensive opportunities for skill improvement and participation in international tournaments.”
Liang said, “Golf in China and Chinese golfers need to have more involvement with the outside world. The establishment of the Ballantine’s Liang Wen-chong Golf Fund is set to boost the development of golf in China and to encourage Chinese golfers to actively take part in international tournaments and win honour for themselves and China.”
