Mickelson ready to light up Barclays Singapore Open

Contributed by Lorna Campbell

Singapore, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 – Spectacularly in-form Phil Mickelson has become the third Major champion to confirm his participation in the US$5 million Barclays Singapore Open, the richest national Open in Asia.

The hugely popular American lefthander jumped back to number two in the world rankings after his victory over Tiger Woods in the end-of-season Tour Championship at the weekend.

He re-found his famed putting touch at East Lake Golf Club with a sparkling five-under-par 65 in the final round for a three-shot triumph over second-placed Woods.

Mickelson joins a quality line-up in the Barclays Singapore Open that includes Major winners Padraig Harrington of Ireland and South Africa's Ernie Els, who finished joint second behind Jeev Milkha Singh of India last season.

The two-time Masters champion will be making his third appearance at Sentosa Golf Club where his charisma lit up the tournament in 2007 and last year, when he finished ninth.

Co-sanctioned for the first time by the Asian Tour and the European Tour, the Barclays Singapore Open will be played over The Serapong Course from October 29 to November 1.

"It is wonderful news that Phil Mickelson will play the tournament again this year as he will bring great value to the event, both on and off the course," said Robert Morrice, Chairman and Chief Executive of Barclays Asia. "As a member of the Barclays team, Phil is a great ambassador and role model for golf. He is a winner who personifies the game's values of integrity, focus and precision, which are at the core of how we at Barclays are committed to earning success every day for our clients," he added.

Known throughout the world of golf as ´Lefty', Mickelson makes a big impression wherever he plays with his easy charm and aggressive game.

"It will be great to see Phil Mickelson come to the Barclays Singapore Open and take on The Serapong once again", said Peter Downie, General Manager, Sentosa Golf Club. "With his current form, he will no doubt start as one of the main favourites, and we look forward to watching a rejuvenated putting form by Phil Mickelson."

After a number of frustrating near misses, Mickelson rid himself of the title of ´the best player never to win a Major' with victory in the 2004 Masters. He went on to win the PGA Championship the following year and triumphed at the Masters again in 2006.

He made a fast start to the 2009 season with wins in the Northern Trust Open and WGC-CA Championship before taking time off from the game to care for his wife and mother, both of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer.

He returned to action in early August and the Barclays Singapore Open will be the first leg of a two-event swing in Asia.

Korea's K.J. Choi and Darren Clarke from Northern Ireland will add further star appeal to the tournament and more marquee names will be announced in the coming weeks with players from all over the world eager to tee it up in the 46th edition of the event.

Singapore's national Open was not played between 2002 and 2004, but returned to the Asian Tour schedule in 2005 thanks to the support of Sentosa and efforts of the event promoter World Sport Group. Australia's Adam Scott triumphed in 2005 and 2006 before Angel Cabrera of Argentina claimed the spoils in 2007.

This year's Barclays Singapore Open will once again be broadcast live for all four days on the ESPN Star Sports network.