Reading time: 3 minutesA 32-strong field of professional competitors has always guaranteed that the Zurich Open will deliver high-caliber golf. This year, the field is led by 39-year-old Thomas Björn of Denmark - also known to his colleagues as Major Tom - who has so far won nine PGA European tournaments. His first victory at the Loch Lomond World Invitational in 1996 earned him the honor of being the first Danish player ever to be included in the prestigious European Ryder Cup team; he went on to play successfully for the team in 1997 and 2002, and was its Vice-Captain in 2004.
The Zurich Open is once again set to provide some very thrilling moments on June 14 and 15, 2010, when winners of previous events will join Germany's Sven Struver, who was able to follow up his victories in the South African PGA Championship (1996) and the Dutch Open (1997) with a triumph at the 1998 Omega European Masters in Crans-Montana. Playing professionals from the PGA European Tour, the PGA Challenge Tour and the Ladies European Tour will all be teeing off. Several Swiss professionals are among their number, including Martin Rominger of Graubünden (who plays on the PGA Asian Tour) and his sister Caroline Rominger (who finished in an impressive 41st position at the 2009 Ladies’ Swiss Open in Losone, her first tournament as a professional).
"An exciting mix of international golfing stars, Swiss professionals and eminent guests from the business world makes the Zurich Open one of our country's most attractive Pro- Am fixtures. It is an excellent platform for Credit Suisse to offer clients a unique experience where interesting contacts can be initiated," says Sandra Caviezel, Head of Sponsoring Private Banking at Credit Suisse. In golf, as in its other sponsorship commitments, Credit Suisse is interested in supporting not only the elite, but also in encouraging young players and giving budding talent a helping hand on the challenging road to the top. This is why the bank specifically earmarks a substantial portion of the sponsorship budget for the Swiss Golf Association (SGA) to various youth projects.
For the same reason, Credit Suisse is also the presenting sponsor of the Zurich Juniors Open, which is staged under the auspices of the Zurich Open. Talented young golfers are invited to take part in Switzerland's only international Pro-Am tournament for juniors. "Promoting young talent is a cause that lies particularly close to our hearts. This is why we are so pleased to be supporting a Pro-Am tournament in which young people can compete. Thanks to this event, young players can acquire tournament experience at an early stage and take advantage of tips from the professionals," Sandra Caviezel adds.
Credit Suisse and golf share a long tradition. As main sponsor of the Swiss Golf Foundation, the bank has supported the national elite since 1992, and has promoted the sport at junior and grassroots level as partner of the Swiss Golf Association since 1999. In addition, Credit Suisse is the main sponsor of the Swiss PGA, the umbrella association of Swiss golf professionals. For a number of years now, the Bank has been a partner to the two largest golf tournaments in Switzerland, namely the Omega European Masters in Crans-Montana and the Bad Ragaz PGA Seniors Open, as well as the Credit Suisse Challenge, a tournament on the Challenge Tour. The bank has sponsored the prestigious Zurich Open ever since the event was staged for the first time at the Schönenberg Golf Club in 2001.
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Source: Credit Suisse Group, Press release