Marcus Fraser is not only relishing being back in Korea to defend his Ballantine’s Championship title – he is relieved just to be playing golf.

The Australian underwent a career-saving neck operation three months ago after losing feeling in his right arm. “If I had not had the operation, I would never have played golf again and probably would have lost the use of my right arm,” he revealed.

“Before the operation there was a question mark if I was ever going to play golf again, or good golf again. But I just wanted to get back to being healthy, so it was a nobrainer to have it.”

Fraser said the injury had innocuous beginnings. “At the Australian Open last November, I picked up my son over my head and felt something go in my neck,” he said.

“I saw the physios at the tournament and just worked on it and again at the Australian PGA Championship the following week, when I probably shouldn’t have played.

“Over Christmas it just deteriorated. I went to a sports physician and he referred me to a surgeon. I had an MRI and it showed the disc had prolapsed.

“I had a couple of days where I couldn’t walk and lost all use of my right arm. The pain was like someone twisting a knife into my neck while I was holding on to an electrified fence.

“The surgeon took one look and said, ‘We’ll do it in two days’ time.’ So he operated and after that, it was painfree the next day.

“He put in a synthetic disc, put a carbon fibre cage around that, and caged two vertebras, and also put a metal plate around everything. I have plenty of bits and pieces in there!”

Fraser had the operation in the last week of January and made his comeback six weeks later in the WGC-Championship in Florida. “I probably rushed it back a little bit and I’ve still got a long way to go before it’s 100 per cent again,” he admitted. “But it’s a massive improvement from what it was.”

Fraser won the 2010 Ballantine’s Championship with a four-shot, wire-to-wire victory – his first win in seven years.

He said he would enjoy his week as defending champion. “It’s not something I’ve had to deal with too often, so it’s nice when it does happen,” he said.

“It’s a very special week with Ballantine’s obviously being such a great sponsor. We had an unbelievable tournament dinner last night and it’s quickly becoming one of the biggest events on our schedule.

“Last year was just the third Ballantine’s Championship, so it’s a young tournament, but now very established. It’s certainly nice to have your name on that trophy.”

The Ballantine’s Championship has moved to Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul after the first three editions were played at Pinx Golf Club on the Korean holiday island of Jeju.

An elite field has been assembled for the €2.2 million showpiece, which tees off on Thursday, including world No.1 Lee Westwood, three-time Major winner Ernie Els, PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson and Ryder Cup duo Ian Poulter and Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

YE Yang – Asia’s first ever Major winner – leads a strong Korean challenge that also includes teenage sensation Noh Seung Yul, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, and Kim Kyung Tae, a three-time winner in Japan last year.

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship will once again be co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA.

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013 – please visit www.ballantineschampionship.com
• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open since 2007
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the Ballantine’s Championship by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

A confident Lee Westwood is aiming to put on a show worthy of his world No.1 status for Korean fans this week.

The English ace will tee off in the Ballantine’s Championship on a high after regaining the top ranking last weekend.

His appearance at Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul will mark the first time a current world No.1 has played in Korea.

Told that the galleries would be anticipating an outstanding display, Westwood replied: “I have great expectations as well. I’m going to try to play well in this championship and hopefully, on Sunday afternoon, have a chance to win it.

“I played well last week. My confidence is high. I’m looking forward to getting out there tomorrow morning and having a look at the golf course to see if it suits me.

“I didn’t realise the world No.1 had never competed in Korea before, so it’s an honour for me to bring the title of world No.1 to Korea.”

Westwood previously topped the Official World Golf Ranking from early last November to late February before being overtaken by Germany’s Martin Kaymer.

But he returned to the No.1 spot on Sunday with a three-shot victory in the Indonesian Masters as compatriot Luke Donald, who could have leapfrogged him from No.3, narrowly failed to win The Heritage tournament in the USA.

Westwood admitted his status brought added demands. “Obviously, with being No.1 there is a lot more responsibility,” he said. “You have a lot more things to do, media commitments and things like that.

“People want a lot more of your time, so it becomes a bit difficult to cram everything in and leave time for practising golf and doing what got you to where you are. That’s the toughest part of it.”

Having achieved one career ambition by becoming world No.1, Westwood admitted a maiden Major victory was his next priority.

“The world rankings and major championships are two completely separate things,” he said. “I haven’t won a Major yet, but hope to do so soon, and all you can do when trying to win those is keep practising and doing what you believe is the right thing that is going to improve you.

“I’ve had a lot of good chances recently to win Majors but it just hasn’t happened. The world rankings, on the other hand, are all about consistency and playing well week in and week out, which I tend to do.”

Aside from Westwood, the stellar field in the Ballantine’s Championship includes three-time Major winner Ernie Els, PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson and Ryder Cup duo Ian Poulter and Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

YE Yang – Asia’s first ever Major winner – leads a strong Korean challenge that also includes teenage sensation Noh Seung Yul, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, and Kim Kyung Tae, a three-time winner in Japan last year.

Westwood said the Ballantine’s Championship would help the Korean golf scene become even more potent.

“Golf is very strong in Korea and I think having tournaments like this helps the popularity of golf here,” he said. “It’s always great when players like Yang come back to play in their own country and show the people here that Korean golfers can compete against the best in the world.”

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013 – please visit www.ballantineschampionship.com
• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open since 2007
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the Ballantine’s Championship by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

YE Yang has warned the big stars at this week’s Ballantine’s Championship to watch out for a strong challenge from his fellow Koreans.

A stellar field has gathered at Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul for the €2.2 million showpiece, which tees off on Thursday.

The line-up includes world No.1 Lee Westwood, three-time Major winner Ernie Els, PGA Tour ace Dustin Johnson and Ryder Cup duo Ian Poulter and Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

But Yang insists the elite players should not underestimate the chances of a Korean winning the title for the first time.

“Lee Westwood has just recaptured the No.1 ranking and would definitely be considered a leading contender this week,” he said. “The same goes for Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter and all of the other top players.

“I would consider them my main competitors but I wouldn’t count out the Korean players because they are doing very well at the moment. In fact, there are good players out there on any course, in any country.”

Apart from Yang, Korea’s main hopes of victory rest with teenage sensation Noh Seung Yul, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, and Kim Kyung Tae, a three-time winner in Japan last year.

The Ballantine’s Championship has moved to Blackstone after three years at Pinx Golf Club on the Korean holiday island of Jeju but Yang denied home players would have an advantage.

“Nobody is really that familiar with this particular golf course,” he insisted. “I understand that a few Korean players have played here, maybe once or twice, so I don’t think that they have a particular advantage.

“Instead, I think players who have been around the world, who have been to various golf courses and who have a lot of experience, might have the upper hand.”

Yang, who became a Korean national hero when he captured the 2009 PGA Championship – making him the first Asian ever to win a Major – said he was happy with his form but conceded his putting needed work.

He missed the cut at last week’s China Open, where he was defending champion, and cited a cold putter as the main factor.

“My tee shot and second shot were good. But on the second day, I started off in the afternoon round and the greens, as a result, were very slow,” he explained. “So there were 10 to 12-foot putts, seven or eight of them, that I missed and that put a strain on me on the last two holes. I think overall I did OK, but putting was the issue for me last week.”

Yang, who spends most of his time in the USA, admitted it would be special to win in his homeland. “I don’t play that often in Korea,” he said. “I come maybe every six months, in spring and fall, and I think the best way to greet my fans in Korea would be to win. So, as always, I will do my best.”

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013 – please visit www.ballantineschampionship.com
• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open since 2007
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the Ballantine’s Championship by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Ian Poulter enjoys his globe-trotting golf lifestyle but admits it does not suit every player.

The English star is one of the few professionals who have been successful in maintaining playing cards on both the European and PGA Tours.

He has flown in for this week’s European Tour event – the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea – after playing last week on the East Coast of the USA.

But he refuses to criticise his fellow top European players who prefer to stay at home rather than try their chances on the PGA Tour.

“That’s their decision and people have to respect that,” he said. “It’s very difficult to play both tours, I’ve done it now for six years.

“A lot of people have family; a lot of people have homes in different places; it’s their decision. We could play every single week of the year, but it’s just not possible.”

Poulter is appearing in the Ballantine’s Championship for the first time although he previously finished runner-up in the 2008 Korean Open.

The world No.17 has an excellent record in Asia, having won last year’s Hong Kong Open and the 2009 Singapore Open – both part of the European Tour schedule – to go with his success in the Japan Golf Tour’s 2007 Phoenix Open.

“I’m obviously very excited to be back in Korea,” he confirmed. “It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been here. I finished second the last time I visited Korea, so hopefully I can go one place better. My game is in form and I’m very excited to play this week.”

The Ballantine’s Championship has moved to a new venue, Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul, and Poulter is keen to get out on the fairways.

“I haven’t seen the golf course yet, so I’m very much looking forward to getting out there in the pro-am tomorrow to have a good look at the course and then come and do some practice afterwards,” he said.

Aside from Poulter, the strong field at Blackstone includes world No.1 Lee Westwood, three-time Major winner Ernie Els, PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson and 2009 PGA Championship winner YE Yang.

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship will once again be co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA.

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013 – please visit www.ballantineschampionship.com
• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open since 2007
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the Ballantine’s Championship by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Five of the star players appearing in this week’s Ballantine’s Championship in Korea – (from left) YE Yang, Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter, Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Lee Westwood – are pictured with the tournament trophy inside the clubhouse at Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul. The €2.2 million event, co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA, begins on Thursday. Photograph by Paul Lakatos/Parallel Media Group

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013 – please visit www.ballantineschampionship.com
• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open since 2007
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the Ballantine’s Championship by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Lee Westwood is guaranteed a hero’s welcome in Korea this week as the first current world No.1 to play in the country.

The English ace will be the star attraction in a stellar field teeing it up in the Ballantine’s Championship, which begins on Thursday at Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul.

Westwood returned to the top ranking on Sunday courtesy of his victory in the Indonesian Masters coupled with compatriot Luke Donald failing to win The Heritage tournament in the USA.

“I’m delighted to be coming to the Ballantine’s Championship as world No.1,” said Westwood. “Being top of the Official World Golf Ranking makes me feel very proud and I’m sure Korea’s knowledgeable and passionate golf fans are aware of the hard work and dedication it takes to reach that position.

“I’m very much looking forward to the tournament and hopefully I’ll give the galleries plenty to cheer about in the coming days.”

Westwood’s landmark appearance at this week’s Ballantine’s Championship was hailed by David Ciclitira, chairman of event promoter Parallel Media Group.

“When we first brought the Ballantine’s Championship to Korea in 2008 our vision was to give the Korean public the best, and only the best, in the world of professional golf,” he said.

“To have the current world No.1 appearing in the tournament is a fulfillment of that vision and testament to the ambition and aspiration of Ballantine’s and the many other people involved in the event.

“On behalf of Parallel Media Group and the Ballantine’s Championship, we would like to congratulate Lee on his achievement and we’re sure the Korean fans will be turning out in large numbers this week to applaud him.”

Westwood, who previously held the No.1 ranking from 1 November last year until 28 February, began last week at No.2 behind Germany’s Martin Kaymer. His three-shot victory in the Indonesian Masters put him in position to return to the top spot and this was confirmed when Donald, who would have leapfrogged to the head of the queue from No.3 with victory in The Heritage, lost in a playoff to Brandt Snedeker.

Aside from Westwood, the elite field at Blackstone this week includes three-time Major winner Ernie Els, PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson and Ryder Cup duo Ian Poulter and Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

YE Yang – Asia’s first ever Major winner – will lead a strong Korean challenge that also includes teenage sensation Noh Seung Yul, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, and Kim Kyung Tae, a three-time winner in Japan last year.

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, winner of the Ballantine’s Championship in 2009 and runner-up to Westwood in Indonesia, is also in the line-up at Blackstone together with the defending champion, Marcus Fraser of Australia.

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship will once again be co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA.

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013 – please visit www.ballantineschampionship.com
• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open since 2007
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the Ballantine’s Championship by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Thongchai Jaidee returns to Korea this week looking to renew his love affair with the Ballantine’s Championship.

The Thai ace won the €2.2 million showpiece in 2009 and mounted a strong defence of his title last year before finishing joint ninth.

His excellent record means he is looking forward to this week’s event, which tees off on Thursday at a new venue, Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing in Korea,” said Thongchai. “There is a strong field for the Ballantine’s Championship and I’m looking forward to the tournament.

“This week will be my third competitive tournament since returning from injury and I’ve been working very hard on my putting. I hope it pays off this week.”

Thongchai heads to Seoul buoyed by an excellent performance at last week’s Indonesian Masters where he finished runner-up to England’s Lee Westwood.

He closed with a flawless seven-under-par 65 to show he is returning to his best form after a suffering a back injury in February.

“I’ve been struggling with my putting but my game feels better after returning from my injury,” he added.

Thongchai will certainly feel better returning to the Ballantine’s Championship where he has fond memories of his victory two years ago.

He emerged triumphant from a dramatic three-way playoff amid strong winds and falling temperatures at Pinx Golf Club on the Korean holiday island of Jeju.

He sank a six-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole to edge out Spain’s Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño and local hero Kang Sung Hoon to claim the fourth European Tour title of his career.

Thongchai also thrilled the galleries at Pinx 12 months ago when, after fog had held up the first round, he played a marathon 35 holes on the second day of the tournament, reaching eight-under. He eventually finished seven shots behind winner Marcus Fraser in an event that was reduced to 54 holes.

Thongchai’s record at the Ballantine’s Championship leaves him optimistic about his chances at Blackstone this week although he thinks the weather will again play a part.

“We’re playing on a new course this year and I don’t know what to expect,” he confessed. “The weather will be an important factor.

“I remember when I won two years ago, the weather was tough and I was lucky to win in a playoff. My putting during that week was really good.”

The elite field at Blackstone this week includes Westwood, who has returned to the world No.1 ranking as a result of his win in Indonesia, and three-time Major winner Ernie Els.

Making his first competitive appearance in Asia will be world No.12 Dustin Johnson. The big-hitting American has four victories on the PGA Tour, including two last year. Ryder Cup stars Ian Poulter and Miguel Ángel Jiménez, who both have excellent records in Asia, are also in the field.

Korean hero YE Yang – Asia’s first ever Major winner – will lead a strong home challenge that will also include teenage sensation Noh Seung Yul, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, and Kim Kyung Tae, a three-time winner in Japan last year.

Australia’s Fraser, who surprised many people with an incredible wire-to-wire victory a year ago, is back to defend his title.

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship will once again be co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA.

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013 – please visit www.ballantineschampionship.com
• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open since 2007
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the Ballantine’s Championship by Two Up Front - Asia’sports PR specialists.

The world No.2, four Major winners and the USA’s fastest-rising star are included in the mouth-watering field assembled for next week’s Ballantine’s Championship in Korea.

They will be joined by more than 35 European Tour champions, nine of the top 10 on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and a powerful home contingent in the strongest line-up in the event’s history.

The elite field means fans can look forward to a scintillating four days of golf when the €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship is staged from 28 April to 1 May at the prestigious Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul.

Heading the roll of honour are world No.2 Lee Westwood of England, a man with an amazing 20 European Tour wins to his name, and South African superstar Ernie Els, whose incredible total of more than 60 victories worldwide includes three Majors – the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and the British Open in 2002.

They are joined by three more Major winners in the shape of Korean hero YE Yang, American Todd Hamilton and Michael Campbell of New Zealand.

Yang will lead a strong Korean challenge and is delighted to see so many world class stars from overseas playing in his country. “I am proud and happy that these players are coming to Korea for the Ballantine’s Championship,” he said.

“It is great to communicate and exchange knowledge with such elite players and for the Korean golfers it will be a tremendous experience to play alongside them.

“I haven’t played Blackstone Golf Club before but I’ve heard it isn’t an easy course, so I’m looking forward to the tournament.”

Yang, who captured the US PGA Championship in 2009 to become Asia’s first ever Major winner, feels he is returning to something near his best form. He finished fifth at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in February and enjoyed a top 20 finish at the Masters earlier this month.

“I like where I’m going with my new swing and conditioning,” he said. “Although I still have a long way to go in both these aspects of my golf game, I think the past few weeks have been confidence builders and I want to ride this feeling for as long as possible.”

Apart from Yang, Korean hopes for a home victory will rest with teenage sensation Noh Seung Yul, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, and Kim Kyung Tae, a three-time winner in Japan last year.

Many eyes will be on Dustin Johnson. The big-hitting American – currently No.12 in the world – has four victories on the PGA Tour, including two last year, and will be making his first competitive appearance in Asia.

Ryder Cup stars Ian Poulter and Miguel Ángel Jiménez both have good reasons to believe they can triumph next week – they have each won several times in Asia and have done well in Korea in the past.

Poulter’s 10 European Tour victories include last year’s Hong Kong Open and the 2009 Singapore Open to go with his success in the Japan Golf Tour’s 2007 Phoenix Open.

The English ace will be making his first appearance in the Ballantine’s Championship although he previously finished runner-up in the 2008 Korean Open.

Spanish icon Jiménez, meanwhile, has a brilliant record in the Far East. His 18 victories on the European Tour include successes in Hong Kong – twice – Thailand and China. It will be his first competitive appearance in Korea since finishing joint second in the 2004 Korea Golf Championship.

Looking to keep the trophy in his cabinet for another year will be Marcus Fraser. The 2010 Ballantine’s Championship produced an unforgettable finale as the unheralded Australian – a player who almost gave up the game three years earlier because he was in such a slump – surprised everyone with an incredible wire-to-wire victory.

Fans at Blackstone will also see strong representation from the Asian Tour, spearheaded by current Order of Merit leader SSP Chowrasia of India.

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, the 2009 Ballantine’s Championship winner, will be looking to get his hands on the trophy again while Indian ace Jeev Milkha Singh returns to the tournament for the first time since narrowly losing a playoff to Graeme McDowell in the inaugural event in 2008.

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship will once again be co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA.

Blackstone Golf Club, in Icheon, just south of Seoul, opened only in 2009 and has just 300 members.

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013 – please visit www.ballantineschampionship.com
• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open since 2007
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

-- ENDS --

Released on behalf of the Ballantine’s Championship by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR experts.

Eight leading firms have come out swinging in the Ageas Corporate Golf League – Hong Kong’s first downtown inter-companies golf competition.

The exciting new tournament is being staged at City Links Golf Lounge, the state-of-the-art indoor golf centre in The Centrium, Wyndham Street – just a chip shot away from Central’s bustling business district.

The two-player teams are competing over seven weeks for the “War on Wyndham” trophy, a HK$20,000 donation to a charity of their choice and a golf weekend for two to Bangkok from Golfasian.com, including two rounds of golf, two nights accommodation and round-trip airfares.

“We have a particular interest in golf so we were very excited and enthusiastic when we heard about the chance to be associated with Hong Kong’s first-ever indoor corporate golf league,” said Angela Yam, Head of Branding, Marketing and Communication, Ageas Insurance Company (Asia) Limited.

“We believe it will become one of the city’s premier golf events. It ties in with our interest in helping charities, too, because we have agreed to make a substantial donation of HK$20,000 to any recipient chosen by the champion team.”

Ageas already sponsors the Hong Kong PGA Championship – the territory’s flagship tournament for locally-based professionals which this year was won by French golfing icon Jean Van de Velde.

In addition, the company supports many other sports and charity events such as FCBEscola – the soccer school run by Spanish giants Barcelona – the Matilda Sedan Chair Race and the Oxfam Trailwalker.

The Ageas Corporate Golf League, which is being staged from 12 April to 24 May, is being played on Full Swing Golf’s E6 golf simulation software using the Fourball Better Ball format.

The teams are playing seven of the world’s most famous courses – the “home of golf” St Andrews, Pebble Beach, Kapalua Plantation, Spyglass Hill, The Belfry, Valderrama and Torrey Pines.

Entry is HK$7,000 per team and includes seven competition rounds and open bar and finger food each week. Team substitutes are being encouraged to come along and support their colleagues, making for an intense atmosphere as the players ditch their suit jackets, loosen their ties and go in search of golfing glory.

“We know Hong Kong executives are passionate about their golf and take the game very seriously,” said Rajah Chaudhry, Director, City Links Golf Lounge. “So a downtown corporate golf competition both appeals to their competitive instincts and fits in perfectly with their busy schedules.

“We think the Ageas Corporate Golf League is going to be a big hit and has the potential to become a major annual sports tournament among Hong Kong’s top companies. We are especially grateful to Ageas for their generous support and we look forward to what promises to be a high-profile, competitive and, most important of all, fun event for everyone involved. May the best team win!”

Companies interested in playing in the Ageas Corporate Golf League should contact Kim Inglis, Director of Golf, City Links Golf Lounge, on 2522 6366 or send an email to kim.inglis@citylinksgolf.com.

About Ageas

Ageas is an international insurance company with a heritage spanning more than 180 years. Ranked among the top 20 insurance companies in Europe, Ageas has chosen to concentrate its business activities in Europe and Asia, which together make up the largest share of the global insurance market. They are grouped around four segments: Belgium, United Kingdom, Continental Europe and Asia. It is an undisputed leader in the Belgian market for individual life and employee benefits, as well as a leading non-life player, through AG Insurance. Internationally Ageas has a strong presence in the UK, where it is the second largest player in private car insurance. The company also has subsidiaries in France, Germany and Hong Kong. Ageas has a track record in developing partnerships with strong financial institutions and key distributors in different markets around the world and successfully operates partnerships in Luxembourg, Italy, Portugal, China, Malaysia, India and Thailand. Ageas employs more than 13,000 people and has annual inflows of almost EUR 18 billion.

About City Links Golf Lounge

City Links Golf Lounge, established in November 2009, is Hong Kong’s first and only indoor golf lounge. Housing four state-of-the-art golf simulators and a fully-stocked bar, City Links Golf Lounge is a unique multi-purpose entertainment venue ideal for private functions and parties, client entertainment evenings, press conferences, business lunches, seminars, product launches and corporate golf outings. Golf instruction and a range of membership options are available to the avid golfer wanting to improve their game using the golf industries most advanced simulation technology. For more information on City Links Golf Lounge, please contact Kim Inglis at 2522 6366 or email: kim.inglis@citylinksgolf.com.

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Released on behalf of the Ageas Corporate Golf League by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Asia enthusiasts Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood are each targeting victory in the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea as they seek to maintain their outstanding records in the Far East.

Between them, the English stars have won a total of nine times in the region with numerous other top 10 finishes.

It means both are relishing the chance to lift another trophy when the €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship is staged from 28 April to 1 May at the prestigious Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul.

“I love it,” said Poulter, when asked about playing in Asia. “Any chance I get to play Asian tournaments I take them. I’ve had a bit of success there and I enjoy playing golf there.”

The world No.16 won last year’s Hong Kong Open and the 2009 Singapore Open – both part of the European Tour schedule – to go with his success in the Japan Golf Tour’s 2007 Phoenix Open.

Poulter, who has 10 European Tour victories to his name, will be appearing in the Ballantine’s Championship for the first time although he previously finished runner-up in the 2008 Korean Open.

“It’s going to be another fun week, I’m very much looking forward to it and hopefully I can go one better than the last time I was in Korea,” he said.

“I was a little disappointed then, I bogeyed the last and as a result came up one shot shy, so I would like to go one better this time. That’s what I’m going to be working towards.”

Westwood has six career victories in Asia and has been especially successful in Japan, winning the Taiheiyo Masters three years running from 1996-98.

He featured in the 2009 Ballantine’s Championship when the tournament was played at Pinx Golf Club on the Korean holiday island of Jeju and is keen try out Blackstone Golf Club.

“It will be fun,” said the world No.2. “I’ve never been to Seoul before and it’s always nice to experience new places and cultures – and the courses in Asia are normally good, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ve played well in Asia in the past and had quite a lot of wins there – four in Japan, plus Macau and Malaysia. I’ve always enjoyed playing in Asia.”

Poulter and Westwood are part of a world-class field at the 2011 Ballantine’s Championship that also includes three-time Major winner Ernie Els, PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson and 18-time European Tour winner Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

Big-hitting Johnson – who has four victories on the PGA Tour, including two last year – will be making his first competitive appearance in Asia.

A powerful Korean contingent will be led by Asia’s first Major winner, YE Yang, reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Noh Seung Yul, and Kim Kyung Tae, a three-time winner in Japan last year.

Westwood said the Ballantine’s Championship suited his schedule as he goes in search of his first Major victory.

“It falls in the middle of two Majors, coming between the Masters and the US Open, and it’s important for me to play some strong events in that stretch so the Ballantine’s Championships fits in perfectly,” explained Westwood, who finished joint 11th in last week’s Masters.

“The Majors are what it is all about for me this year and it is vital that I get my game into good shape for those.”

The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship will once again be co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and Korea PGA.

Blackstone Golf Club, in Icheon, just south of Seoul, will host the event for at least the next three years. It is the first time that the exclusive venue – which opened only in 2009 and has just 300 members – has staged a professional tournament.

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013 – please visit www.ballantineschampionship.com
• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open since 2007
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

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Released on behalf of the Ballantine’s Championship by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR experts.