High Five for Emirates at the UBS Hong Kong Open

Emirates airline, renowned for its high-profile sports sponsorships around the globe for more than two decades, today announced its involvement with the UBS Hong Kong Open for the fifth year running.

Emirates will once again be the Official Airline to the UBS Hong Kong Open, tri-sanctioned by the Hong Kong Golf Association, Asian Tour and the European Tour, which will be staged from November 12 to 15 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.

With the eyes of the players firmly fixed on the prize purse of US$2.5 million, the tournament has attracted a stellar line-up of world-class golfers, including world No 5 Lee Westwood of England; Asia’s first Major winner, Yang Yong Eun of South Korea; and defending champion Lin Wen Tang of Chinese Taipei.

The field also includes 2003 British Open Champion Ben Curtis, who is flying the flag for Emirates, while home hopes will be resting on Hong Kong professionals William Fung, Lokky Lee, Chris Tang and Dereck Fung.

During tournament days, spectators will have a chance to win 200,000 Miles from Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates, by answering a question related to the recent increase of 10kg in baggage allowance across all classes of travel.

Another fun element especially created for this year’s event is the Emirates Golf Clinic for aspiring young players on November 14. Twenty local children will be treated to a master class from a star player, who will give them tips on how to make the grade as a professional golfer.

The Emirates Spectator Charity Hole-in-One Challenge has become a traditional part of the UBS Hong Kong Open and for a token registration fee, golf enthusiasts can play for a chance to win a Business Class return ticket to Dubai with Emirates. All proceeds from the competition will be donated to the Little Life Warrior Society, which supports child cancer patients, survivors and their families.

During the Pro-Am today, Emirates sponsored two sessions of the Charity Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge which also raised funds for the Little Life Warrior Society. Participants were offered a donation to take part in the competition to win a return Business Class ticket to Dubai in each session, while a number of Emirates’ VIP guests got the chance to play with star golfers.

Edwin Lau, Emirates’ Vice President – Hong Kong and China, said: “It is a great pleasure for Emirates to support the Hong Kong Open in 2009 for the fifth year running. Common objectives and pursuits have made Emirates and this world-class event perfect partners.

“For Emirates, sports sponsorships are a long-standing way for us to interact with our customers and passengers in an informal, enjoyable environment. This activity helps us fulfil our commitment to the communities of Hong Kong and China, which constitute our most dynamic markets in the region.”