Westwood, Saujana to renew ties

30/01/1999

LEE WESTWOOD and Saujana Golf and Country Club are in the midst of
renewing their partnership which expires in March.
Saujana Golf Resort CEO Ahmad Ramli Zakari said yesterday that both
parties are happy with the relationship and want it to continue.
"He has made his interest known and we are keen to have the sponsorship
contract renewed," said Ramli.
The good news is that Westwood has not let a successful 1998 season get
to his head and is believed to be happy with a minimal increase in the
sponsorship. His deal with Saujana is reported to be in the region of
US$50,000 (RM190,000) a year.
Westwood's earlier deal with the Club requires him to wear the club
insignia on his sleeve and on his golfing bag, the words Visit Malaysia
are boldly displayed.
"He will be here tomorrow to promote some products that Saujana will be
launching and to conduct a clinic with junior golfers. We will pursue the
matter further," he said.
Westwood, the world No 8 and No 3 golfer on the European Order of Merit,
made his name after winning the Malaysian Open in 1997.
Tomorrow, he will witness a change in Saujana - the Bunga Raya course
will be renamed as The Crocodile course.
Yesterday, Saujana extended their help to the Malaysian PGA by adopting
two of their pros for two years.
Rashid Ismail, ranked seventh on the MPGA Order Of Merit last year and
Shaifubari Muda, ranked ninth, will each be sponsored by Saujana to the
tune of RM40,000 a year.
"This adopt-a-pro programme will run for two years and hopefully, the
duo will be able to concentrate on their game now that they have a steady
income," said Ramli.
Other than unlimited use of the Saujana greens, the pros will also
receive equipment and attire.
"We hope to be able to stand on our own feet after the two-year duration
and would like to call upon other clubs to extend similar help to develop
a good pool of players in the country," said Rashid, who turned pro in
1997.
The deal also stipulates that the duo can keep all their winnings.
(END)