Kuala Lumpur, November 16: Organisers of the Maybank Malaysian Open today announced that the 49th edition of the event will return from March 4-7, 2010.

The 2010 edition will also be a platform to kick-start a six-year integrated programme to nurture domestic world-class talent in preparation for the golf event which makes its return to the XXXI Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

 

The Maybank Malaysian Open is the most prestigious golf event in the country and a leading national open competition in the region. Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and The European Tour and part of the latter’s 2010 Race to Dubai, the Maybank Malaysian Open will be held at the newly-renovated Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club and will continue to host the best players from Malaysia and the world.

 

”The Open has gained tremendous respect among the great names of the golfing world, who have played in previous events. I recall players who participated in our Open and had gone on to win the Majors like the US Open, The Open, US Masters and the US PGA Championship. This time again, we are confident the Maybank Malaysian Open will continue to draw the world’s best and be another opportunity for Malaysia to showcase its golfing facilities and experience in hosting world-class tournaments,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin, Chairman of Maybank.

 

M.A Halim Ahmad, Director of GlobalOne said, “With The European Tour and Asian Tour together with Maybank in this partnership with us, spectators can expect an exciting playing field and a fun-filled week for the entire family. We have pledged to grow the game of golf and given the storied history of the tournament, we are confident it will only get better with talented local golfers having the opportunity to participate in the Olympics from 2016 and, through the Maybank Malaysian Open, gain valuable world-class experience en route to this target!”

 

MGA President Datuk Robin Loh said, “The Maybank Malaysian Open has always been vital in exposing promising local talent to some of the biggest names in the world and giving them the opportunity to hone their skills there. This is an event to which even overseas golfers look forward and aspire to, so we are excited to once again be involved in 2010 as an event guardian.”

 

The prestigious event, won by American Anthony Kang in 2009, will boast of a 156-strong line-up, featuring leading players from Malaysia and those from the Asian Tour and The European Tour. Winnings from the Maybank Malaysian Open 2010 will go towards the Asian Tour Order of Merit, and will also add to the player’s 2010 Race to Dubai Ranking, granting them a chance to qualify for the season-ending Dubai World Championship.

 

Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “The Maybank Malaysian Open is one of Asia’s most prestigious national opens and has always been an event which the Asian Tour players look forward. As always, we are pleased to work again in 2010 with The European Tour, as well as the organisers of the Maybank Malaysian Open.”

 

Keith Waters, Director of International Policy for The European Tour, said: “Since the first co-sanctioned Malaysian Open in 1999, our Members have thoroughly enjoyed a traditional warm Malaysian welcome and have experienced a number of excellent golf courses.

 

“We are delighted that the 2010 event will again be co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour and that we are returning to a familiar and popular venue in Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, where Charlie Wi won in 2006. It is always a pleasure to compete with the leading players of Asia and we look forward to the fifth Malaysian Open under Maybank’s superb title sponsorship.”

 

Dato’ Tunku Putra Badlishah, Director of Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) commented that the Sime Darby Group, who owns KLGCC, have made significant investments to upgrade the golf courses and clubhouse and hosting the prestigious tournament provides the opportunity to showcase the transformation. “We are pleased that the recently upgraded West Course has received accolades such as the ‘Best Course Renovation in Asia Pacific’ by Asian Golf Monthly,” he added.

 

Prize purse for the 2010 edition will be US$2 million and other details such as player line-up and fringe activities will be announced closer to the tournament.