Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club [KLGCC] will remain the venue for next year’s Maybank Malaysian Open
Maybank will mark the milestone 10th anniversary event of its title sponsorship with an increase in the tournament purse to US$3 million.
The increase from US$ 2.75 million in 2014 is the first part of an integrated multi-platform plan to mark Maybank’s long-standing commitment towards upholding the heritage of Malaysia’s longest-running professional golf tournament.
Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor, Chairman, Maybank, said: “It fills me with great pride that Maybank has done its part to elevate our national Open to a world-class tournament that is respected on both the European and Asian Tours. In highlighting our nation’s sports tourism destinations, we are thrilled to celebrate this historic milestone.
“Over the past nine years, we have strived to make it better and stronger. Major winners like Rory Mcllroy, Martin Kaymer, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and multiple winners like Lee Westwood, Thongchai Jaidee and KJ Choi have graced the tournament over the years.”
The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) is also focused on ensuring the national Open continues to act as a pivotal platform in expanding the reach and quality of the game in the country.
MGA President Admiral (R) Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor said: “The Malaysian Open will celebrate its 54th edition in 2015 making it the country’s longest-standing golf tournament. It’s a reflection of how far golf has developed in Malaysia and how this tournament has played a part in shaping the history of the game locally.
“In addition, the Open’s ability to consistently attract world-class golfers to our shores has inspired our local professionals to raise the level of their game and also inspire a new breed of young talents to learn the finer aspects of competing on the international arena.”
Located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the KLGCC will host the national Open for the seventh time in its history with the West Course, with its multiple dog-leg fairways and demanding multi-tiered greens, primed once again from February 5-8.
Steven Thielke, KLGCC’s General Manager, said: “Once again we have been chosen as the venue for our historical national Open. We regard it as an honour and are looking forward to shoulder the responsibility as the venue. We will strive to deliver a word-class tournament.”