Seri Kembangan: Leading technology conglomerate Sapura Group has re-affirmed its commitment to the CIMB Classic by coming on-board as a presenting sponsor of the US$6.1 million PGA Tour exhibition.
In addition to their support, Sapura will also back the RM150,000 Sapura National Qualifier to be held at The Mines Resort & Golf Club from September 10-12. The qualifier will offer a platform for Malaysian professionals to earn a valuable start at the limited-field, no-cut tournament alongside marquee player Tiger Woods and past champions Bo Van Pelt and Ben Crane.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Sapura’s president and group chief executive Dato’ Seri Shahril Shamsuddin expressed his delight on the efforts undertaken to elevate the CIMB Classic to become an Official Money event on the PGA Tour’s FedExCup beginning 2013.
“Sapura Group is pleased to confirm its commitment to the CIMB Classic as one of the main sponsors and premier partners. We believe that our involvement will give the impetus required to enhance the sport in Malaysia and provide the necessary opportunity for our home grown talents to aspire to greater heights,” said Shahril.
Aside from the Tiger Woods’ factor, Shahril also stated that opportunity to provide a conduit for Malaysian professionals to benchmark themselves against an international field was one of the major attraction that convinced Sapura to reaffirm their sponsorship after a year’s absence.
“Under the new terms, we are able to spearhead the national qualifier and this was important for us being a Malaysian entity and one that has gone international to provide the platform for local professionals to play and compete against the world’s best at a prestigious tournament on a global platform.”
Sanctioned by the Professional Golf Association of Malaysia (PGAM), the Sapura National Qualifier will see 100 Malaysian professionals battling it out over three days for the top prize of RM22,000 plus a spot at the CIMB Classic from October 25-28. A separate seniors’ tournament offering RM30,000 will also be contested.
Twice the national qualifier champion in the past, Shaaban Hussin was among the earliest confirmed entrants including top-ranked Malaysian professional Danny Chia, Airil Rizman Zahari and Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Order of Merit leader Nachimuthu Ramasamy.
