Kuala Lumpur: American Nick Watney will make a maiden trip to Kuala Lumpur this October as he hooks up with returning stars Jason Dufner and Rickie Fowler at the US$6.1 million CIMB Classic.
Ranked fourth and 14th respectively on the just concluded FedExCup, Watney and Dufner as well as dashing young star Fowler will join the already confirmed trio of Tiger Woods, Ben Crane and Bo Van Pelt for the third edition of the PGA and Asian Tours co-sanctioned exhibition at The MINES Resort & Golf Club from October 25-28.
The tournament will again feature 48 players, with 30 coming from the PGA Tour, 10 from the Asian Tour and eight sponsor’s exemptions battling for the champion’s share of US$1.3 million.
Having regained his putting touch, Watney will be eager to add to his first victory in 13 months at The Barclays earlier this month. “This will be my first visit to Kuala Lumpur and I’m really looking ahead to the CIMB Classic. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the event and the area from players who went over last year,” Watney said. “It’s a great opportunity for me personally to learn about a new culture and for the Tour to help widen interest in the game and our Tour in a part of the world that has shown it embraces the sport,” said the five-time PGA Tour winner.
Dufner, who finished tied 10th at the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia last year, enjoyed his most successful season on the PGA Tour season this year, earning two victories at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the HP Byron Nelson Classic. The performance saw the 35-year-old earn an automatic spot on Davis Love III’s United States Ryder Cup team.
“I am very excited to be returning to the CIMB Classic,” said Dufner. “I performed well at the event last year and had a great experience visiting the country and the city of Kuala Lumpur for the first time. As a player who enjoys playing around the globe, I look forward to the opportunity to play in front of such enthusiastic golf fans. The PGA Tour is continuing to lift its profile in the Asia-Pacific region, and I hope I’ll have the chance to come back for years to come.”
Fowler, who held off Rory McIlroy in a memorable playoff at the Wells Fargo Open to claim his maiden PGA Tour victory in May, is keen on improving his tied-fifth placing during the inaugural edition in 2010.
“One of the best parts of being a professional golfer is the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures and amazing parts of the world, and Malaysia is no exception. I love Malaysia and am really looking forward to playing in the CIMB Classic next month. I played well there in 2010 and enjoyed everything the course and the entire country had to offer. I can’t wait to go back,” said Fowler, who also secured another first this year after making it to the Coca Cola Tour Championship.
