After an inspired performance at The Ryder Cup, American Patrick Reed will return to the UBS Hong Kong Open as he looks to challenge for his second European Tour title.
The 26 year old will be joined by Team Europe rookie Rafa Cabrera Bello at the Hong Kong Golf Club from December 8-11, along with current Masters Tournament champion Danny Willett and defending champion Justin Rose.
“To represent my country is one of the greatest honours I can experience in golf,” said Reed, whose first European Tour victory came at the 2014 WGC-Cadillac Championship.
The Ryder Cup was full of so many memorable moments for myself and for Team USA. I was really happy with how I played, it was a special win for us. Hopefully I can produce that level of performance at the UBS Hong Kong Open.
In what has been labelled an instant classic, Reed squared up against Rory McIllroy in the opening Sunday singles match at Hazeltine National, trading blow for blow with the Northern Irishman before eventually going one up to claim an all-important point for Team USA.
Reed and McIllroy had been the form men for their teams all week and produced a front nine of the highest quality, making eight birdies and an eagle between them to reach the turn all square.
It was Reed who made his move on the back nine to help set up a commanding lead for Team USA, the momentum in their favour to secure the 17-11 victory and regain The Ryder Cup.
“I’m really looking forward to playing at the UBS Hong Kong Open again after finishing tied third last year,” he said. “It’s a fantastic course to play, the atmosphere is great and I always like to spend some of my free time enjoying what Hong Kong has to offer, it’s an amazing city.”
Paired with his compatriot and long-time friend Sergio Garcia, they enjoyed a win in the Friday afternoon four-ball over JB Holmes and Ryan Moore, before halving their foursomes match on Saturday morning after a momentous fightback against Reed and Jordan Speith.
nown as one of the most consistent performers on the European Tour with six top ten finishes this year, Cabrera Bello impressed once again on Sunday morning, defeating current US PGA Champion Jimmy Walker 3 & 2 in his singles match.
“I’m really thrilled to be coming back for the UBS Hong Kong Open,” Cabrera Bello said.
I’ve played this event a couple of times and it’s always a great challenge because it attracts a quality field of players. I hope I can continue to build on my recent good form and kick-start the new European Tour season in the best possible fashion.
With Reed, the seventh-ranked golfer in the world, confirming his participation, the UBS Hong Kong Open features three of the world’s top 11 players with world number nine Danny Willett and world number eleven, Justin Rose, both confirming to appear earlier this summer. Cabrera Bello is ranked 30th in the world.
“With four of the world’s top 30 players already confirmed, the field in 2016 promises to be among the most competitive to date,” said Amy Lo, Head of Wealth Management, Greater China Country Head for UBS Hong Kong.
“We are excited to offer free entry to the event on both Thursday and Friday in 2016 and share this world-class sports event with all of Hong Kong.”
Jeffrey Lam, Chairman of the Mega Events Fund Assessment Committee, said: “The Mega Events Fund is delighted to see two such high calibre players confirm their participation in the 2016 UBS Hong Kong Open with the support of the Fund.
“Both players were stand-out performers in the recent Ryder Cup and their participation in this year’s field will raise the profile of the UBS Hong Kong Open both in Hong Kong and overseas; and this is in line with our objective to support the event which has strong international appeal. We look forward to welcoming them to Hong Kong in December.”
(L-R) Toby Mountjoy, Autism Partnership Foundation; K.F. Ho, Playright Children’s Play Association; Kenneth Lam, Captain Hong Kong Golf Club; Vicky Jones, Championship Director, European Tour; Amy Lo, Head UBS Wealth Management Greater China Country Head, UBS Hong Kong; Alan Tam, Official Ambassador of UBS Charity Cup; Caleb Chan, Founder Friends of Asia; Harald Dudok van Heel, President Hong Kong Golf Association; Gary Wong, InspiringHK Sports Foundation; David Boehm, The Hub Hong Kong.
Mr. Harald Dudok van Heel, President of the Hong Kong Golf Association, said: “The field for the 2016 UBS Hong Kong Open is shaping up very nicely. To have the Olympic champion and Masters champion compete alongside two of the star players from The Ryder Cup will be a great spectacle for all visitors to the tournament. Together with the announcement that both Thursday and Friday will be free access, this year’s tournament promises to be one of the best on record.”
The UBS Hong Kong Open is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and Hong Kong Golf Association. In a new move for 2016, entry to the first two rounds on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December will be free of charge. Visitors aged 21 and under will be admitted free of charge for all four days of the tournament.
