Ernie Els Heads the Field at Ballantine Championship

Jan. 14, 2009 - PRLog -- The three-times Major Champion from South Africa’s confirmation that he will be competing in the Ballantines’, which will return to the Pinx club from April 23-26, increases the star quality of the event.

Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, former Master champion Fred Couples and defending champion Graeme McDowell are also in a strong field at the €2.1 million tournament.
Els, who uses Callaway golf clubs including an FT-5 driver and X-Prototype irons, is currently ranked tenth in the Official World Golf Ranking. He has won seven World Matchplay Championship titles and has twice finished top of the European Tour Order of Merit.

“I’ve enjoyed my previous visits to Korea and I’m delighted to be returning to take part in the Ballantine’s Championship for the first time,” said Els.

“Korea is at the forefront of the Asian golf boom and the fans there are extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the game, so I’m really looking forward to playing at Pinx Golf Club.

“I know the inaugural Ballantine’s Championship was an outstanding success and I’m excited to be involved in what promises to be another fantastic tournament.”
Irishman McDowell, who won in dramatic fashion at Pinx last year when he edged out India’s Jeev Milkha Singh on the third extra hole, is looking forward to returning to the course on the holiday island of Jeju.

“Winning the 2008 Ballantine’s Championship was an unforgettable moment in my career and also the start of a brilliant year for me,” he said.

“I have some wonderful memories of my week at Pinx Golf Club and I’m thrilled to be returning as defending champion.

“I know Ballantine’s and the organisers are putting together a world class field and the Korean fans can be assured I’ll be doing my very best to mount a successful title defence.”
McDowell followed up his win at the Ballantine’s with a further tournament successes at The Barclays Scottish Open in a successful 2008 campaign which also saw him make his Ryder Cup debut at Valhalla.

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