McIlroy to bring Major presence to UBS Hong Kong Open
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China.org.cn, June 24, 2011
US Open champion Rory McIlroy will bring his Major talents to the 2011 UBS Hong Kong Open after the Northern Irishman confirmed his return to the Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling from December 1-4.
Fresh from his superb performance at Congressional Country Club where the 22-year-old won his first Major victory with an astonishing eight-shot margin, McIlroy was quick to confirm his return to Hong Kong, one of his favourite cities in the world, as he looks to win in the US$2.5 million event.
McIlroy finished in sixth position behind Ryder Cup team mate and defending champion Ian Poulter last year and 12 months previously agonisingly missed out on a sudden-death play-off defeat to Chinese Taipei's Lin Wen-tang.
Now, with the US Open trophy in his locker, McIlroy will travel to Hong Kong hoping to take care of unfinished business in the co-sanctioned event by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
"I'm really looking forward to coming back to Hong Kong for the UBS Hong Kong Open," said McIlroy. "It will be very special to be announced on the first tee as the US Open Champion and hopefully I can bring some of that Congressional form to Hong Kong and give the fans a great show.
"The UBS Hong Kong Open is one of my favourite tournaments on The European Tour. It is such an amazing city with a very special energy and every time I go there I just love the place. It is one of the most fun tournaments on the Schedule and the players are looked after brilliantly that week."
Kathryn Shih, CEO, UBS Wealth Management, Asia Pacific, said: "We are delighted to announce Rory's return to Hong Kong for this year's UBS Hong Kong Open. As he has shown throughout his young yet remarkable career, Rory is as fine an ambassador as you will find in sport.
"Not only that, but he has now proven that he can win on the toughest stage of them all after his US Open win. He is an outstanding professional and a wonderful role model so we are naturally thrilled that he has chosen to return to the UBS Hong Kong Open."
The Honourable Jeffrey Lam, Chairman of the Mega Events Fund, said: "The Mega Events Fund is very pleased to hear that Rory McIlroy will be joining us in December for the UBS Hong Kong Open. Rory's play in the US Open last week was quite something to witness and to have a player of his class confirmed to play at the UBS Hong Kong Open is great news for the tournament and the city."
