Four international players bidding for glory in this week’s International Series Singapore took time out from their tournament preparations to experience the wonders of Singapore on the country’s National Day, ahead of the Asian Tour event which is taking place on the Tampines Course at the Tanah Merah Country Club from August 11-14.

Former Masters winner Patrick Reed was joined by current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Sihwan Kim, recent International Series England champion Scott Vincent and local hero Mardan Mamat for a tour of the spectacular Gardens By The Bay, and a walk along the OCBC Skyway – two of Singapore’s most stunning attractions.

SINGAPORE- Patrick Reed of the USA pictured during an official practice round on Tuesday August 9, 2022 ahead of the US$ 1.5 million International Series Singapore at Tanah Merah Country Club (Tampines Course) August 11-14, 2022. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

American star Reed, a LIV Golf ambassador said: “It’s my first time here in Singapore, and it’s very exciting to be here. I’ve heard from many players on the PGA Tour, the European Tour and the Asian Tour about how amazing and beautiful this place is, and to fly in last night and drive in and see the lights, and then experience this morning, it is definitely living up to expectations already.

“I’ve always loved experiencing new things, trying food and different cultures and making new friends in different places. I can’t wait to experience the rest of the week and play a proper golf course which can get challenging,” added the nine-time PGA Tour winner.

SINGAPORE- L-R – Kieran Vincent and Scott Vincent, both of Zimbabwe pose for a photograph during an official practice round on Tuesday August 9, 2022 ahead of the US$ 1.5 million International Series Singapore at Tanah Merah Country Club (Tampines Course) August 11-14, 2022. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Zimbabwean golfer Vincent, aiming for back-to-back International Series wins after his one-shot victory in the US$2million International Series England event at Slaley Hall in June, was delighted to be back in Singapore, to catch up with old friends and give himself another chance of success.

He said: “I haven’t been here for about two years, and I love coming here, it is good to come here and spend some time with some very close friends.

“Every week is an opportunity, a chance for me to get better and go through my routines and my daily goals, and that’s how I treat every week. I visualise winning – ultimately that is out of my control, so I just have to focus on doing my best.”

For Singapore veteran Mamat, the strong field and home comforts make it a special occasion. He said: “It is always nice to play a tournament at home in Singapore. It is nice to sleep on your own bed and prepare for a tournament. Of course, once you have a Major winner playing in a tournament, most of the Singaporeans would look forward to seeing him play, and it is a great occasion for us, especially as we celebrate National Day today.”

SINGAPORE- Sihwan Kim of the USA pictured during an official practice round on Tuesday August 9, 2022 ahead of the US$ 1.5 million International Series Singapore at Tanah Merah Country Club (Tampines Course) August 11-14, 2022. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Order of merit leader Sihwan said: “It is very good to be back in Singapore and I’m really looking forward to playing here this week, my game is in good shape and hopefully my putting will be on par, and we will see how it goes. I played here in January this year, and the course is great. When the wind gets up it can be hard, so let’s see how it goes.”

The Singapore event is the first of two back-to-back tournaments, with the International Series Korea event taking place next week on the Lotte SkyHill course on Jeju Island from August 18-21. Both events offer US$1.5m in prize money.

Ends.