Volvo Order of Merit winner Ernie Els will be seeking a hat-trick of victories in the Heineken Classic when he lines up alongside a truly international field, including Thomas Björn, Michael Campbell, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Adam Scott, at Royal Melbourne from February 5-8.
Els successfully defended the title in February with a one stroke victory over Faldo and Peter Lonard of Australia. It was his fourth victory in five weeks and one of four titles he captured on The 2003 European Tour International Schedule and seven victories worldwide.
Three new sponsors were also announced by Tony Roosenburg, President of SFX Sports Golf at the official launch in Melbourne – NEC, Liberty International Underwriters and Omega.
“NEC, Liberty International Underwriters and Omega have joined our sponsor lineup whilst Ernie Els, Thomas Björn, Michael Campbell, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Adam Scott will headline what I am sure will be the best field in Australia this season. It has been proven once again that the quality and presentation of the Heineken Classic coupled with the wonderful Royal Melbourne Golf Course is a great attraction to international golf stars and major international companies,” said Roosenburg.
“It is a great honour to continue to be supported by Ernie, Greg and these four great players. Open Championship runner-up Thomas Björn, winner in 1998, Michael Campbell, the 1999 and 2000 Heineken Classic Champion, six-time Major Champion Nick Faldo, and Adam Scott, a wonderful player in his own right and the future of Australian golf, will make sure that our reputation for continually producing great international fields is further enhanced.
“I sincerely thank Mr Isamu (Sam) Shiroki, President of NEC, Mr Michael Abdallah, President & CEO, Asia Pacific of Liberty International Underwriters and Mr Mark Watson, Managing Director of Omega Ltd for their commitment to join title sponsor Heineken, the Victorian Government, BMW Australia, Qantas, Crown and Spotless. Their support will allow us to continue to grow the Heineken Classic.”
“The Victorian Premier Steve Bracks said: “The Victorian Government welcomes the return of the Heineken Classic to Royal Melbourne. This marquee golf event is an important part of the renowned sporting jigsaw of Major Sporting Events conducted annually in Victoria and we thank our fellow sponsors for their continuing support. The quality and depth of the player field clearly shows why the Heineken Classic is the premier golf event in this country."
