- Rankings Boost for "Asia's Major"
- Playoff joy for “Gonzo” at Barclays Singapore Open
- Pagunsan shoots to top of Asian rankings after runner-up finish
- Monday finish for Barclays Singapore Open
- Lam endures bittersweet ending
- Playoff suspended by lightning storm
- Thaworn rises above his flood problems
- Big crowds flock to Sentosa
- Fernandez-Castano in driver's seat at Barclays Singapore Open
- Rain causes suspension of play at Barclays Singapore Open
- Classy Gonzalo eases into halfway lead
- Lefty looking to go low after final-hole setback
- Morrison rocks on at Barclays Singapore Open
- Emotional Lam boosts moneylist hopes
- Long and short of it at Barclays Singapore Open
- Tweeting with the stars of Barclays Singapore Open
- Mickelson "honoured" by Hall of Fame recognition
- Yang Chases Hot Duo at the Barclays Singapore Open
- Amateur Lam impresses with 66
- Injured Singh, sick Lin sparkle at Sentosa
- Magic for Molinari, Morrison at Barclays Singapore Open
- Monty sparkles early at Barclays Singapore Open
- Mickelson aims for high five at Barclays Singapore Open
- Moneylist fight on cards at Barclays Singapore Open
- Els shoots for summit at Barclays Singapore Open
- Major Champions lead charge at Barclays Singapore Open
- Harrington Hopes For Happy Days
- Mardan Mamat plays the long game for Barclays Open
- Fresh ammunition for McDowell as he seeks Barclays double
- Rose set to blossom at Barclays Singapore Open
- Rock On Tommy
- Bjorn again Dane looking for more glory
- Asian players grab dream spots at Barclays Singapore Open
- Major Man Yang Eyes Success at Barclays Singapore Open
- Barclays Singapore Open has "Major" Potential says McDowell
- Star Golfers to Compete in Barclays Singapore Open
- Golfing World Set to Arrive at Barclays Singapore Open
- The 2011 Barclays Singapore Open
Barclays Singapore Open has "Major" Potential says McDowell
Singapore, Oct 31: Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell believes the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open has all the necessary ingredients to be elevated to Major status.
The debate on the creation of a fifth Major to join the Masters, US Open, British Open and PGA Championship was re-ignited recently by world number two Lee Westwood who said the tournament should be held in Asia-Pacific.
McDowell will join a star-studded field for the Barclays Singapore Open at Sentosa Golf Club from November 10-13 looking to improve on his third place finish last year.
The tournament has been referred to as "Asia's Major" since its rebirth in 2005 after a three-year hiatus with subsequent backing from Barclays resulting in prize money rising to US$6 million and the world's top players flocking to Singapore.
"The Barclays Singapore Open is one of the biggest tournaments of our season, globally," said McDowell, who rose to stardom in 2010 with three victories, including the US Open, and a pivotal role in Europe's Ryder Cup win over the United States.
"It has always had a strong field fighting for a piece of the excellent prize fund. Barclays are great sponsors of big tournaments all over the world, and none more so than in Singapore, so it is an event many of us look forward to as the season comes to a close.
"As a venue, Sentosa is perfect to host a Major. Huge crowds flock here every year to watch from outside the ropes, and logistically it is perfect given its stunning location and ample hotel options to choose from. And the course is great, so yeah, it has certainly got potential to become a Major."
Looking ahead to this year's Barclays Singapore Open - which will feature an array of Major champions including American Phil Mickelson, Y.E. Yang of Korea, Ireland's Padraig Harrington and the South African duo of Retief Goosen and Ernie Els - McDowell said that Sentosa Golf Club suited his eye and he was looking for a strong performance in the European Tour/Asian Tour co-sanctioned event.
For the second successive season a starting field of 204 players will compete on both The Serapong and The Tanjong courses. Players will play on both courses for the first two days and after the halfway cut is made they will compete on The Serapong at the weekend.
"I think my results these last few years prove that the courses at Sentosa are suited for my game," said the UIsterman.
"I have finished in the top-five on my last two visits, and I particularly like the look of the Serapong course.
"With its abundant mounds and contours, accuracy is key and many of the approach shots into greens suit my natural shot shape. The greens and bunkers are usually in superb condition also and overall it's a course I know I can compete well on. "
McDowell, ranked 15th in the world, has not hit the heights of 2010 so far this season but is hoping to soar at the Barclays Singapore Open.
"Overall, by my own standards, it has been a bit of a disappointing season for me. But these last couple of months I've taken a few steps in the right direction," he said.
"I'm much happier with my game, and my third place finish in the world class field of the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland is hopefully a sign of things to come.
"I've certainly turned the corner, I'm on the right path now and I have a great schedule ahead to finish off my 2011 season, so I am really looking forward to finishing on a high.
"I really believe I can have a strong finish to the season. I can't wait to get to Singapore and hopefully improve on my third place finish there last year. "
The Barclays Singapore Open will be broadcast live for all four days on the ESPN Star Sports network through the efforts of event organiser World Sport Group.