Yangon, Myanmar: The Leopalace21 Myanmar Open will make a welcome return to the region’s professional golfing calendar next year with a record prize purse of US$750,000 and a co-sanction seal from the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Officials announced that Leopalace 21, which is in the business of constructing and managing apartments in Japan and the development and operation of serviced apartments and offices across the ASEAN region, will title sponsor Myanmar’s national championship following a three-year agreement.
The Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club has been selected to host next year’s edition from February 4-7.
Inaugurated in 1996, the Myanmar Open has been staged on 13 occasions on the Asian Tour with the last being played in 2013 when it was won by Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol.
Thongchai Jaidee is a former Myanmar Open champion.
Former champions include Thai stars
Boonchu Ruangkit and
Thongchai Jaidee, Chinese Taipei’s
Lin Keng-chi and Japan’s
Tetsuji Hiratsuka while international players who have won in Myanmar include South African
James Kingston, American
Anthony Kang and Australian
Kieran Pratt.
Eisei Miyama, Leopalace21 President and CEO, believes its association as title sponsor of the Myanmar Open will enable it to fulfil its commercial objectives in the region while also supporting the game at the highest level in Asia.
“We are delighted to take up the title sponsorship of the Myanmar Open, which is one of Asia’s long established national championships. Leopalace21 is committed to grow the event through our initial three-year partnership with the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour and we look forward to a very successful tournament,” said Miyama.
“It is very exciting for us to be associated with professional golf in Asia for the first time which will provide the opportunity to raise our business profile in Myanmar and help create a foundation for our business growth in this wonderful country and across the region.”
Asian Tour Chairman
Kyi Hla Han said: “We are delighted to welcome back the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open. The event has long been a mainstay on the Asian Tour. We are also delighted to co-sanction the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open with the Japan Golf Tour.”
Japan Golf Tour Chairman
Katsuji Ebisawa said: “The Japan Golf Tour is thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Myanmar for the first time with this exciting development.
“I am confident our members will enjoy the privilege to compete in Myanmar for the first time and we look forward to entertaining golf fans at Royal Mingalardon.”
Myanmar Golf Federation (MGF) President
U Ko Ko Aye said the return of its national championship will spur local golf development and inspire young golfers. “The Myanmar Open is the pinnacle of golf in our nation and the return of the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open in 2016 is very much lauded as it will impact the growth and development of golf in Myanmar,” he said.