Kuala Lumpur: The Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia will continue through 2015 after title sponsor Sime Darby Berhad reaffirmed its commitment for a  further three years on Wednesday.

With the 2012 edition of the event being the last year of the conglomerate’s original three-year engagement, the announcement provides a welcome boost for golf and sport in general across the region.

It’s group chief operating officer Dato’ Wahab Maskan noted that long term deal demonstrates Sime Darby’s firm commitment to the growth and sustainability of the game of golf at both a professional and grassroot level in Malaysia and the surrounding region.

“We are indeed honoured to be involved with this tournament for the third year running. The Sime Darby LPGA has without doubt set a benchmark in the golf arena both regionally and internationally. We certainly look forward to another very successful LPGA event and hope that our efforts will ensure that the sport of golf continues to grow across Asia for years to come. The programme is aligned to this objective and will strengthen Sime Darby Group’s intent to contribute to the development of sports in Malaysia and to put Malaysia on the map of world events,”  he said.

Reigning champion Na Yeon Choi will headline a start-studded line-up during the four-day spectacle from October 11 – 14 at the prestigious East Course of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. The 72-hole strokeplay, no cut event will see a field of 72 players – the top 62 stars from the LPGA Tour and 10 sponsor invites – including four players from the local and regional qualifier events which will take place from September 4-5 – battling it out for a prize purse of US$1.9 million.

The Korean hotshot totalled 15-under-par 269 to claim a slender one stroke victory over arch rival and world number one Yani Tseng in a climactic final round, played in front of record crowds.

“It is always a privilege to play at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia tournaments and to compete with the best in the women’s game; it will be my third year playing in this tournament and it’s an event I really enjoy as the fans are always so supportive. Having won the title last year, the tournament has a special place in my heart, so I’m really looking forward to getting back onto the course again at KLGCC,” said the six-time LPGA winner, who claimed her maiden Major at the US Women’s Open in June.

LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan praised Sime Darby Group for their continued support of golf in the region. “We would like to thank Sime Darby Berhad for their unwavering commitment to the game of golf and for bringing the LPGA Tour to Malaysia. This partnership extension gives our players a chance to return to a place where they love to play at a fantastic tournament and venue. We expect another exciting battle for the trophy amongst the world’s top players and we also hope to inspire young Malaysians with the world’s best role models,” he said.

Sime Darby Berhad continues to remain active at a grassroots level, notably with the Sime Darby LPGA Developmental Programme that provides a multi-faceted training programme revolving around the principles of physical fitness, mental training, equipment, diet and nutrition, development of essential skills, taking effective course notes and developing competition strategy.

The Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF) will once again feature as the tournament’s official charity with Sime Darby once again pledging that all ticket proceeds will be donated in support of Breast Cancer Awareness efforts across Malaysia.