![\"sentosa](\"https:\/\/agif.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/sentosa-golf-serapong-img-home.jpg\" "\\"Singapore")
Singapore: The Singapore Open is set to tee off with The Business Times (BT), part of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Media, as a new presenting partner for its 2026 edition.<\/p>\n
To be played over Sentosa Golf Club\u2019s award-winning Serapong Course from April 23-26, this year marks the first time that a flagship news publication has sealed such a partnership with one of the region\u2019s most celebrated national Open championships.<\/p>\n
As one of the tournaments on The International Series, the Singapore Open celebrates golf, and profiles Singapore and the local sports scene to a global audience. This spirit is shared by BT, especially in its efforts to expand overseas and bring Singapore perspectives to a global audience, making it particularly apt for BT to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year by kicking off its celebrations with the Singapore business and golf communities.<\/p>\n
The latest partnership with the Asian Tour is another feather in the cap to bring new formats and outreach to BT\u2019s audiences.<\/p>\n
Chen Huifen<\/strong>, Editor of BT, said: \u201cAs The Business Times marks its 50th anniversary this year, our strategic partnership with the Asian Tour in the Singapore Open represents a perfect synergy between two disciplines defined by strategy and foresight.<\/p>\n \u201cFor half a century, we have served as Singapore\u2019s leading financial daily, not just reporting on the markets, but championing excellence through our various business awards that mirror our nation\u2019s economic priorities. By anchoring ourselves in this premier regional circuit, we reinforce our commitment to transcending borders \u2013 aligned with our own evolution as we bring our trusted financial insights to a wider base of audiences.\u201d<\/p>\n The US$2 million tournament, won last year by Japan\u2019s Yosuke Asaji<\/strong>, after he overcame Korean Wang Jeung-hun<\/strong> in a play-off, will be the fourth leg on this year\u2019s Asian Tour schedule.<\/p>\n Cho Minn Thant<\/strong>, Commissioner and CEO of the Asian Tour, said: \u201cThis new relationship between the Singapore Open and The Business Times, two of the country\u2019s strongest brands, is an exciting one that promises to be a win-win.<\/p>\n \u201cThe new partnership is perfectly timed as we prepare for the tournament\u2019s return to Sentosa Golf Club. We thank SPH Media and The Business Times for taking this decision. This is phenomenal for the Singapore Open and the Asian Tour, as it means we can reach more audiences through SPH Media\u2019s vast network of media outlets and partners, both in Singapore and throughout the Southeast Asian region.\u201d<\/p>\n Next month\u2019s tournament will be the 54th staging of one of the region\u2019s most treasured Opens, which was played last year for the first time since 2022.<\/p>\n Joshua Ho<\/strong>, CEO of the Singapore Golf Association, said: \u201cWe are pleased to welcome The Business Times as the presenting partner of the Singapore Open. As Singapore\u2019s national Open, it is important for us to work with strong local partners, and there is positive synergy in this partnership.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Business Times has a strong reach and brings a credible platform to tell more meaningful stories \u2013 from the players and competition to the broader impact of golf\u2019s eco-system in Singapore. This partnership will help strengthen the tournament\u2019s connection with the business community while broadening engagement with golf fans across the region.\u201d<\/p>\n The Singapore Open became part of The International Series for the first time last year. The Series, upper echelon events on the Asian Tour, provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League, something which Asaji benefited from last year. His victory helped him finish second on The International Series Rankings, which saw the top two earn playing privileges on the LIV Golf League this year.<\/p>\n As well as providing access to the LIV Golf League, this year\u2019s Singapore Open will also pave the way for qualification to The Open in July, as part of the Open Qualifying Series.<\/p>\n The leading two players, not otherwise exempt, will be rewarded with places in the game\u2019s oldest Major, which will be played at Royal Birkdale from July 16-19.<\/p>\n