Padraig Harrington joins Korea’s Y E Yang for the UBS Hong Kong Open at Hong Kong Golf Club from 15-18 November.
Harrington, who reaped a rich harvest of three Major titles during a wonderful 13 month spell in 2007 and 2008, returns to Fanling where he launched the 2004 European Tour International Schedule with a one shot victory over South African Hennie Otto.
The Irishman, fresh from a confidence-boosting victory in the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda last week, will be playing in the event for the fourth time. He finished joint runner-up to Miguel Angel Jiménez in his defence of the title 12 months after his victory.
Yang, who succeeded Harrington as US PGA Champion in 2009 after a dramatic battle down the stretch with Tiger Woods, produced his best placing in four previous appearances in the UBS Hong Kong Open when he came tied seventh behind World Number One, Rory McIlroy, last year.
Harrington said: “I have fond memories of winning the UBS Hong Kong Open on my debut in the event and I look forward to returning to Fanling next month. There is always a great atmosphere surrounding the tournament and Hong Kong itself is an exciting place to visit.”
Yang, the first Asian golfer to capture a Major Championship, commented: “I love returning to Hong Kong for the UBS Hong Kong Open. There is an incredible energy in the city which adds to the enjoyment of the week. It would be great if I can step up on last year’s top ten finish and challenge for the title this time around.”
Ms Kathryn Shih, CEO UBS Wealth Management Asia Pacific, said: “UBS is delighted that two more world-class golfers in Padraig Harrington and Y.E. Yang have joined this year's UBS Hong Kong Open. Their participation promises to make the competition this month even more exciting.”
