By Matt Smith
Some big names in the world of golf made the most of their trip to Singapore to check out the local sights ahead of this week’s Asian Tour International Series event at Tanah Merah Country Club.

LIV Golf stars will be competing alongside the cream of the Asian Tour in Singapore, with former Masters winner Patrick Reed and Zimbabwe’s International Series England champ Scott Vincent getting out and about along with Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Sihwan Kim and local hero Mardan Mamat.

The quartet took in Gardens By The Bay and went for a walk along the OCBC Skyway — two of Singapore’s biggest tourist attractions.

LIV Golf ambassador Reed 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.”

Vincent, aiming for back-to-back International Series wins after his one-shot victory in the $2million 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.”

Sihwan added: “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 $1.5m in prize money.

You may also like:
PGA Tour says LIV Golf players ‘fabricating an emergency’
Gary Player at odds with son once again
WATCH: Highlights of the AIG Women’s Open at Muirfield
15 fascinating PGA Tour FedEx Cup stats
LOOK: Big names who just lost their PGA Tour card
WATCH: An emotional Nick Faldo says goodbye
Rickie Fowler is lucky Mr 125 on PGA Tour FedExCup playoffs list
Relief for Buhai at AIG Women’s Open
Decision time for LIV Golfers in PGA Tour battle
R&A increases Women’s Open purse to 7.3 million
LIV Golf numbers grow on Asian Tour
Get the August 2022 edition of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here in English and Arabic
Legend John Daly ‘begged’ for LIV Golf spot
Mickelson was suspended by PGA Tour in March; banned for two years
Mickelson and Dechambeau lead group of 11 LIV golfers suing PGA Tour
Adam Hadwin in trouble with wife Jessica — again
LIV Golf gives to local charities in New Jersey
Bryson DeChambeau on LIV/PGA feud and his $125m signing-on fee
What it is like to be the first woman from your country to win a title
Five players to watch at the AIG Women’s Open
Australian army target more glory in Scotland
Laura Davies’ unique return to Muirfield
Phil Mickelson becomes highest-paid athlete of 2022
WATCH: LIV Golf highlights from Bedminster
Stenson takes debut LIV Golf title at Bedminster
LIV Golf takeaways after third event in New Jersey
The Gulf Club: Latest news from the UAE and beyond up to August 2022
Crocker takes the glory at Hero Open