Fan favourites and former champions Ian Poulter and Miguel Angel Jimenez confirmed for Hong Kong Open return
Flamboyant European pair join star-studded line-up for next month’s event
Former champions and fan favourites Ian Poulter and Miguel Angel Jimenez have confirmed they will be returning to the UBS Hong Kong Open next month.
The Englishman and the Spaniard join defending champion and Olympic Gold medallist Justin Rose, Masters winner Danny Willett and Ryder Cup stars Patrick Reed and Rafa Cabrera Bello in the field for the December 8-11 tournament at Hong Kong Golf Club.
Ryder Cup star Poulter won the event in 2010 and can’t wait to return.
“I’m delighted to be making my way back to Hong Kong,” he said in a statement from organisers.
“It’s no surprise that the same players go back there as often as they possibly can because it is just one of those tournaments you don’t want to miss.
Watch: Can Justin Rose go back-to-back at Fanling
“Guys like Miguel and myself just love the tournament, the golf course and the city itself. There are good reasons why we always come back! It looks like we are going to have another brilliant event with a great field shaping up.”
Jimenez shares the record for Hong Kong Open wins (four) and wants to go one better at Fanling and claim the record outright.
“I’m not sure what more I can say about how much I love the event,” said the 52-year-old, who last won in 2013.
“Everyone knows that this is one of the most special tournaments in the world for me, and to have won it four times is one of the greatest achievements of my career.”
“Hong Kong is one of my favourite places in the world, and Fanling is a very special golf club with a beautiful history and a classic course which has stood the test of time.
“Also the clubhouse and the terrace where we have lunch has an amazing atmosphere and is one of my favourite places in the world to enjoy a nice glass of wine and a cigar after a great round of golf.”
Entry to the co-sanctioned Asian Tour, European Tour and Hong Kong Golf Association event is free of charge on the Thursday and Friday and free for under-21s on Saturday and Sunday.
