Defending champion Padraig Harrington can expect to be given a run for his money after Nick Faldo and Jose-Maria Olazabal became the latest big-name players to sign up for next month's US$800,000 Omega Hong Kong Open.
Organisers confirmed yesterday that England's six-time Major winner Faldo and two-time Masters champion Olazabal of Spain would join Ireland's Harrington at the Fanling tournament which runs from December 2 to 5. The tournament is co-sanctioned by the Asian and European tours.
'It will be one of the strongest fields to play in Hong Kong,' said Iain Valentine, chairman of the Hong Kong Golf Association. 'And I believe there are more top European players who will come. Both Faldo and Olazabal are great favourites with the Hong Kong galleries and it is tremendous that they will be returning to support the tournament this year.
'We also know that there will be a strong Asian field present. Apart from the total purse of US$800,000, the winner here is also assured of playing three years on the European Tour and this is a huge incentive for everyone,' added Valentine.
Faldo and Olazabal are both familiar faces in Hong Kong. Olazabal won the Hong Kong Open in 2001 with an incredible finish, when he birdied the last three holes and stunned the gallery with an unforgettable five-iron to within inches of the cup on the 18th to secure victory.
'I am thrilled to have the chance to return to Hong Kong. I have always enjoyed playing at the Hong Kong Golf Club and I still have fond memories of my victory three years ago,' said Olazabal.
