US3m purse for Malaysian Open

THE Maybank Malaysian Open returns to the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) on Feb 5-8 with a flushed purse of US3million.
   The increase, from US$ 2.75 million this season, is the first part of an integrated multi-platform plan to mark Maybank’s 10th anniversary as the title sponsor.
   “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.
  “Next year marks the 10th year that Maybank will bring the Malaysian Open to its fans. And in highlighting our nations sports tourism destinations, we are thrilled to celebrate this historic milestone” said Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor, Chairman of Maybank.
   “Over the past nine years we have strived to make it better and stronger. Leading world major championship winners like Rory Mcllroy (Ire), Martin Kaymer (Ger), Louis Oosthuizen (S Africa), Charl Schwartzel (S Africa), and multiple-time winners like Lee Westwood (Eng), Thongchai Jaidee (Thai) and K.J Choi (S Kor) have graced the tournament over the years.
  “Next year, with its February schedule, will see the list of golfing luminaries display a similarly exciting performance and the quality of play that will thrill spectators from around Asia,” said Megat Zaharuddin.
   The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), a long time partner to the event is also focused on ensuring that the National Open continues to be a tournament to watch out for.
    “The Malaysian Open will celebrate its 54th edition next year, 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 deeply 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,” said MGA president Admiral (R) Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor.
    The KLGCC will host the National Open for the seventh time in its history at the challenging West Course.
   “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 for the Open's 54th edition,” said KLGCC’s General Manager, Steven Thielke.
   Prize money earned at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2015 will go towards the Asian Tour Order of Merit and will also count towards European Tour’s Race to Dubai at the end of 2015.