Singapore, Jan 28 (IANS): After a three-year absence, Singapore’s iconic national golf Open will make a welcome return in 2016.

Last staged in 2012, the Singapore Open is set to thrill golf fans when it roars back to life between Jan 28-31, 2016 at the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), one of Japan’s leading financial institutions, will be the title sponsor of the event.

“The Singapore Open was always one of our best events and one that our members strove to compete well in. It is tremendous to have it back as it is an important event for our region and our tour,” Asian Tour chairman Kyi Hla Han said.

The Singapore Open will be co-sanctioned for the first time by previous partner Asian Tour and a new partner in Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO). With a minimum prize purse of $1 million, the tournament will also entice some of the world’s best players to tackle the award winning course.

Home to the event from 2005 to 2012, the Serapong Course will once again prove a stern test to the world’s best players. Australian Adam Scott won the event a record three times in 2005, 2006 and 2010.

The Singapore Open will feature a field of top 60 from the Asian Tour, top 60 from the JGTO, top Singapore professionals and amateurs and invites including players from the top 50 in the world.