This week the DP World Tour heads to Asia for the Singapore Classic at Laguna National Golf Resort’s Classic Course, the start of a three week swing in the region.
A new event on the DP World Tour schedule for 2023, New Zealander Ryan Fox headlines the field heading to Laguna National where five Aussies will tee it up.
Former Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn and Cup hopeful Robert MacIntyre among the other well known names in a field affected by the designated event on the PGA Tour and International Series event on the Asian Tour.
DEFENDING CHAMPION: Inaugural event
COURSE: It may be a new event on the DP World Tour circuit, but it isn’t the first time we have seen Laguna National Golf Resort Club.
The venue previously played host to the Singapore Masters from 2002-07 before it went through a redesign in 2010, and had further work done in 2017.
Having a reputation as one of the toughest tests in Asia, will mean the pros are put through their paces across the club’s Classic Course. Known locally as ‘The Beast,’ the hilly terrain, 146 bunkers and 7,471 yards, will mean the eventual winner will have to be manage the course efficiently and be at their ball striking best.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: As one of the leading players in the field, plenty of eyes will be on Ryan Fox who is the highest ranked player in Singapore this week.
The big-hitting Kiwi will be looking to secure his first win of the season after a solid performance (T11) at last week’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship. If the short game turns up, Fox will be hard to stop.
Scotsman Robert MacIntyre will be looking to string together some good performances as he eyes a spot on Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup side this September.
He has had a solid start to his year so far, without setting the world alight. A T20 finish in Abu Dhabi and T38 in Dubai are numbers he will be looking to improve on heading over to Singapore. Fresh off a week’s break, the left hander will be primed to make a statement.
A disappointing final round last week from Zander Lombard left him in a tie for second place, in an event that looked like his for the taking. Nonetheless, it was an extremely good week for the South African who is still chasing his first DP World Tour win, a dream that could become a reality based on form and a slightly weak field.
A five strong Australian contingent is in Singapore, with the entire group capable of recording a good finish this week as the eschew the Vic Open in favour of a start on the DP World Tour.
Anthony Quayle is becoming accustomed to missing events at home for overseas opportunities, and after years in Japan is very comfortable playing golf in Asia.
Blake Windred arguably has the best lead in form of the group following a T15 at TPS Victoria, while Aaron Pike’s will be looking to forget a recent misadventure for his golf clubs.
Dimi Papadatos will be desperate to perform well as he misses what is surely among his favourite events each and every year. Papadatos is a two-time Vic Open winner who has long suggested with his game he is ready to jump to one of the world’s bigger Tours.
AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Aaron Pike, Louis Dobbelaar, Anthony Quayle, Blake Windred and Dimitrios Papadatos
TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Fox Sports 505 4:30pm – 9:30pm)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 505 4:30pm – 9:30pm)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 505 4pm – 8:30pm)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 505 4pm – 8:30pm)
*AEDT, check local guides
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