Back to its Best

Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose will be the stars of the show at Fanling in October when the golfing superstars are set to headline the field at the UBS Hong Kong Open.

Johnson and Rose, currently ranked fourth and fifth in the Official World Golf Ranking, confirmed their entries to arguably Asia’s most historic professional golf event following their strong performances at last month’s Open Championship. Johnson shared the halfway lead at St Andrews before a disappointing final two rounds, while Rose finished strongly to flirt with contention and eventually tie for sixth.

Johnson is one of the game’s most exciting players, a 31-year-old from South Carolina whose natural talent and athleticism allows him to be one of the longest and straightest drivers of the golf ball in the world. He also has the short game to back it up, winning nine times on the PGA Tour and contending in almost every Major Championship he plays.

"I’m excited to be making my first trip to the UBS Hong Kong Open. I’ve heard some great things about the tournament, and that the Hong Kong Golf Club is a real classic golf course with a rich history and tradition,” said Johnson, who has tasted success in Asia having won the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai in 2013.

"You look at some of the names who have won the tournament - guys like Norman, Watson, Woosnam, Langer, Olazabal, Montgomerie and McIlroy - and you realise there is a great history there. Those are the kind of trophies you want to get your name on.

"I’m also really looking forward to visiting Hong Kong. As golfers we are very lucky to have the chance to travel the world playing the game we love and when you get the chance to visit cities as exciting as Hong Kong then it’s difficult to say no. It’s going to be an exciting trip.”