Lydia Ko will line-up in Malaysia in October. Picture by Getty Images.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: World number two
Lydia Ko has confirmed her appearance in this year’s US$2 million Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
The 17-year-old LPGA Tour rookie will be among the star attractions in the 75-player field when the tournament returns to the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) from October 9-12 October.
The teenage sensation claimed 17 her fourth Tour victory at the Marathon Classic, during which she fired a final-round six-under 65 to beat Korean
Ryu So-yeon by a single shot. The victory saw Ko become the youngest player in LPGA Tour history, at 17 years, two months and 26 days, to cross the US$1 million mark in career earnings, helped by her eight top-10 finishes and two victories on Tour this year.
The Korean-born New Zealander said: “I have heard so much about the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia from the other LPGA players and am excited to be playing it this year for my first time. Overall, I am really enjoying my rookie year on Tour as a professional, and look forward to my remaining events, especially when the Tour travels to Kuala Lumpur and other regions throughout Asia in a couple of months’ time.”
Ko will line up alongside defending champion
Lexi Thompson and six
Malaysian Angels in a new-look field, designed to ensure that the tournament continues to provide fans with a first-class spectacle featuring the world’s top golfers, while also offering professional Malaysian golfers the opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best.
Organisers have also announced ticketing details for the October showpiece which includes the Standard daily tickets and four-day Season Passes. Additionally, special offers have been created for Corporate Guests, Families and Students to cater to the different segments of the public.
New developments for this year’s tournament see the event expand its accessibility to a wider audience. Female members of the public will be able to purchase an exclusive ticket to the tournament for ‘Ladies Day’ (Friday, October10) which will include prizes for the best dressed. Tickets are also on sale for an exclusive Ladies Power Lunch on the same day which allows female-only guests to enjoy a three-course luncheon in the stylish surroundings of the KLGCC Piano Lounge, hosted by special guests and providing an opportunity to enjoy the event in luxury.
Steven Thielke, General Manager of KLGCC, said: “We’re delighted to announce Lydia’s participation in this year’s Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. Lydia is one of our new generation of young golfers which is taking the women’s game to a whole new level and reaching new fans around the world. We look forward to welcoming her to Malaysia in October.
“This year’s tournament is very much about creating a celebration of golf both on and off the course. We’ve reflected this in the ticket options which are designed to cater for different groups of people with different needs,” he added.