Y.E. Yang poised for Ballantine’s Championship homecoming

Yang Yong Eun

Korean hero Yang Yong Eun will make an emotional return to his birthplace after being unveiled as the first star player in the 2010 Ballantine’s Championship.

Asia's first Major winner will be teeing it up with a host of other world class players when the €2.1 million event is staged at Pinx Golf Club in Jeju - the island of his birth - from 22-25 April.

And in another huge boost for the tournament, Ballantine's has announced it is extending its title sponsorship by three years through to the 2013 event.

Yang will be making his first playing appearance in Jeju since his PGA Championship triumph in August. "I'm delighted to be appearing in what promises to be a fantastic Ballantine's Championship next April," he said.

"Not only am I looking forward to playing, will it also be a chance for me to thank the Korean fans who have given me such incredible support during my career. It will be a real honour to play in front of them as Asia's first Major winner.

"It is especially pleasing that the tournament is once again being held at Pinx Golf Club in Jeju, the island of my birth. It is going to be a very special homecoming for me and I hope to give a performance to match.

"It is also tremendous news that Ballantine's has signed a three-year title sponsorship extension. It is tournaments like this, with world class players and significant support from the business world, that help the golf boom in Korea and ensure more young players come through to play on the big stage."