The Caltex Masters, presented by Carlsberg, Singapore, will return to Laguna National Golf and Country Club for the fourth successive occasion next year, with players competing for an increased prize fund of US$1 million.
The joint-sanctioned event with the Asian Tour and promoted by Parallel Media Group, will take place on January 27-30, 2005, and will be the fifth time the event has featured on The European Tour’’s International Schedule.
Bob Hakim, Vice President of Asia Pacific Marketing for Chevron Texaco said, "We are very excited and pleased that the event has grown from strength to strength over the last four years. We will continue to try our best in providing high quality golf and entertainment to the public. Caltex, as the title sponsor, will continue its tradition of raising funds for charity, which has formed an integral part of the event week. We have successfully raised more than S$1 million for various charities here in Singapore and other Asia-Pacific markets, and we hope that the public continues to support us in our fund-raising efforts," he added.
High quality golf can be expected with strong participation from Professional players from both the European and Asian Tours.
Louis Martin, Chief Executive of the Asian Tour stated, “We look forward to once again returning to The Laguna National Golf and Country Club, and would like to thank Caltex and the family of sponsors for their continued support.”
George O’’Grady, The European Tour’’s Executive Director Designate, reiterated his strong support for the Caltex Masters presented by Carlsberg. He said: “This will be the fifth year of the Caltex Masters, presented by Carlsberg, Singapore, and the fourth successive visit to Laguna National Golf and Country Club. Our Members always enjoy the trip to such an exotic location in Singapore and relish the challenge posed by Laguna National. On their behalf, I would like to thank Caltex, Carlsberg, Singapore Sports Council, Laguna National Golf and County Club and the Singapore Professional Golf Association for their support once again.”
Current World Number One Vijay Singh of Fiji won the inaugural tournament at Singapore Island Country Club in 2001 before India’’s Arjun Atwal claimed the title on the first visit to Laguna National G&CC in 2002.
He was followed onto the Roll of Honour in 2003 by Zhang Lian-Wei, who became the first Chinese golfer to win on The European Tour when he came from behind to grab victory ahead of Ernie Els, before Colin Montgomerie notched up his 28th European Tour victory in March of this year, when he carded a superb final round 65 to win by three shots.
Montgomerie, who holed the winning putt for Europe in their superb 18 ½ - 9 ½ Ryder Cup victory over the United States at Oakland Hills Country Club, has indicated his desire to defend his title and he will be joined once again by a high-quality field. Colin Montgomerie has played exceptionally well in the Singapore heat in the past; as a runner up to Vijay Singh in the inaugural year and securing victory in 2004.
Peter Kwee, Chairman of Laguna National Golf and Country Club, added: “We are proud to host the Caltex Masters Singapore, presented by Carlsberg for the fourth successive year, and as one of Asia’’s foremost clubs, it is our pleasure to welcome everyone back to the club.”
