Irish power for Malaysian Open

IRISHMEN Graeme McDowell and Paul McGinley are the latest attraction to confirm for the Maybank Malaysian Open on Feb 5-8 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
   They will join a stellar cast of 156 players from the Asian Tour and European Tour for a shot at the prestigious title.
  One of the finest shot-makers in the game, McDowell is a name that is recognised worldwide when he upstaged Tiger Woods in the 2010 Chevron World Challenge.
  He also successfully defended his title at the Alstom Open de France in June, where he overcame Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, a former two-time Malaysian Open winner, and American Kevin Stadler by a single stroke, which saw him reach 10 European Tour wins.
  Having played an integral part in three European Ryder Cup-winning teams, McDowell knows a thing or two about converting putts when it matters.
   A Ryder Cup legend, McGinley needs little introduction to local golf fans after his iconic leadership of Team Europe in Scotland.
   With nine worldwide victories to his name, including four on the European Tour, McGinley will bring his personal charisma and tireless work ethics to the fore at KLGCC.
  “Next year, as we celebrate the 10th year as title sponsor of the Malaysian Open, we continue with the tradition of bringing a selection of golfing personalities to Malaysia. McDowell and McGinley, fresh from recent victories and with charisma attracting a huge worldwide following as they display consistently high standards of sportsmanship, integrity and grit; offering fans exciting and competitive golf every time,” said Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Nor, Chairman of Maybank
   “We are proud of our role in the Maybank Malaysian Open, showcasing a world class tournament steeped in Malaysian history. Its schedule, in the early part of the professional season, has produced surprising winners, young and not so young, and I expect this next version to yield similar excitement and outcomes.”
   The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) reinforced the critical role that the tournament has played in expanding the reach of the game at a professional level in the country as well.
   “The Maybank Malaysian Open represents a consistent and considerable investment towards the development of the Malaysian golfing scene with the largest allocation of playing spots to top local professionals and amateurs who want to participate in the tournament," said MGA president Admiral (R) Tan Sri Anwar Mohd Nor.