World Number One Lee Westwood will be part of a world class field at the €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship in Korea from April 28 to May 1.
The Englishman, who will be joined by South African Ernie Els, World Number Ten Ian Poulter and Major Champion Y E Yang at the prestigious Blackstone Resort in Seoul, will be making his first visit to Korea since playing in the 2009 Ballantine’s Championship at Pinx Golf Club on the holiday island of Jeju.
In the 21 months since he has been in superb form, winning the inaugural Race to Dubai in 2009, claiming four top-three finishes in Major Championships, triumphing on the US PGA Tour for the first time in a decade and ending Tiger Woods’ five-year reign at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking.
“I thoroughly enjoyed playing in the Ballantine’s Championship in 2009 and I’m very much looking forward to returning to the tournament this year,” said Westwood.
“It is exciting that the event is moving to Blackstone Resort. I’ve heard great things about the venue and, like the vast majority of players, it will be my first time there so it promises to be quite a challenge.
“I enjoyed a fantastic 2010 and becoming the World Number One has been the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition. Obviously I’m very keen to maintain the momentum in 2011 so I’m aiming to put on a great display for the Korean fans.
“Korea has really put itself on the world golf map these past few years with the performances of its top players, and the facilities there are second to none, so it has all the makings of a great week.”
The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship, once again co-sanctioned by The European Tour, the Asian Tour and the Korea PGA, will be played at Blackstone Resort in Incheon, just south of Seoul – the first time the venue, which opened in 2009, has hosted a professional tournament.
Els, meanwhile, will be looking to make it third time lucky at the Ballantine’s Championship after top ten finishes in the last two years.
“I’ve got off to a great start this season and hopefully I can maintain this form throughout the year,” said the South African, who in December won the South African Open Championship, the second event on The European Tour’s 2011 International Schedule.
“I enjoyed my two previous visits to the Ballantine’s Championship and both times I was in with a shout going into the final day, so the aim this time is to take any chances that come my way and be in the mix again on Sunday.”
Poulter, who will be making his Ballantine’s Championship debut, enjoyed a superb 2010 season, winning the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and the UBS Hong Kong Open as well as playing a starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory over the USA.
He said: “I’ve got fond memories of my last appearance in Korea (when he finished runner-up at the 2008 Korea Open) so I’m really looking forward to making my Ballantine’s Championship debut.
“I’ve heard great things about the tournament from my fellow professionals and I’m told the Blackstone course is exceptional, so it promises to be a great week. I had a wonderful 2010 and I’m very optimistic about what this year holds for me.”
Yang made history and earned hero status in his native Korea in 2009 by becoming Asia’s first Major winner when he fended off Woods to clinch the US PGA Championship. Now he is looking forward to his third appearance in the Ballantine’s Championship.
“It’s always a thrill to play in front of my home fans so I’m full of anticipation for this year’s Ballantine’s Championship,” said Yang.
“The Korean galleries are always so supportive and knowledgeable and they love seeing the home players mix it with some of the world’s best. It’s fantastic for Korean golf that the Ballantine’s Championship is going from strength to strength and this year’s tournament promises to be the best yet.”
