New Zealander Ryan Fox has confirmed his participation in this year’s Singapore Classic with the DP World Tour set to return to Singapore for the first time since 2014.
The Singapore Classic is a new addition to the DP World Tour’s Global Schedule for 2023 and will be held at Laguna National Golf Resort Club from February 9-12, 2023, a venue which previously hosted the Singapore Masters from 2002 to 2007.
Fox will be making his first professional appearance on Singaporean soil, having previously played in the South East Asian country as an amateur.
The 35-year-old enjoyed a banner year in 2022, finishing a career-high second on the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex after a fairy-tale season. The Kiwi won twice, taking his tally of victories up to three, also recording four runner-up finishes and four further top tens across the season – moving to a career-high 23rd on the Official World Golf Ranking.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to Singapore to play this year’s Singapore Classic,” said Fox. “One of the great things about the DP World Tour is the opportunity we get to travel the world and compete in so many different places, so to tick off a new country and a new venue is very exciting.
“After last year’s success, I’m really keen to kick on and see what the coming year brings. I feel really good about my game and hopefully I can give my best showing for the fans in Singapore. I know there’s a big expat community of New Zealanders in Singapore, and it would be great to see them at Laguna National.”
Patrick Bowers, Executive Championship Director of the Singapore Classic, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the DP World Tour on their long-awaited return to the country in staging the Singapore Classic. The excitement of a fresh new event committed through 2025 but at the same time rooted in the heritage which the Tour enjoys in the nation is invigorating. I personally recall the excitement of Colin Montgomerie thrilling crowds by winning in commanding style, Nick Dougherty earning his inaugural Tour victory here, and the milestones of witnessing the Tour’s first winner from China and India in Zhang Lian Wei and Arjun Atwal. Now we turn our attention to beginning a new era.”
The DP World Tour first visited Singapore in 1993, with Major Champions Sir Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam winning the first editions of the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1993 and 1996. Fellow Major Champions Vijay Singh and Adam Scott are also winners on the DP World Tour in Singapore.
The 2006 edition of the Singapore Masters, held at Laguna National, was the scene of the most memorable moment in the country’s golfing history, when home favourite Mardan Mamat lifted the trophy, finishing one stroke ahead of England’s Nick Dougherty.
Tickets for the Singapore Classic are on sale, with a 20 per cent Early Bird discount available until January 8. Tickets start from S$25, with a four-day season pass currently available for S$64, and can be purchased here.
