Major flavour to Iskandar Johor Open

Ernie Els © Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour

Johor Bahru: Reigning Open champion Ernie Els will bring Major pedigree to the southern state of Johor this December when he tees off at the sixth edition of the Iskandar Johor Open presented by Iskandar Waterfront.

The imposing South African nicknamed “The Big Easy’ is one of golf’s most global stars with 65 international victories and will look to cap a memorable season with a solid display as he debuts at the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club from December 13-16.

New Zealander Michael Campbell is another Major champion to book his appearance at the US$2 million Asian Tour season-finale, joining the earlier confirmed Sergio Garcia and former Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand in the impressive field.

Els, who overcame a six-stroke deficit to clinch his second Claret Jug victory at the Royal Lytham & St Annes, looks close to regaining his Major-winning form after returning from an ankle injury and will look to improve on his tied second finish at the HSBC Champions two weeks ago.

“I am looking forward to playing in the Iskandar Johor Open. I’m doing a couple of golf courses around the corner from there and it’ll

be a good time to be down in Malaysia,” said Els, who has put his name to a new integrated golfing development on the Desaru coastline.

“Middle of December, I’m not going to be playing a lot of golf. I’ll have a bit of a holiday after the event but the start of the year will be just around the corner. I like to kick start 2013 with the last event of the year, so to speak and it’ll be very nice,” added the 42-year-old globetrotter.

Campbell has been back in contention for victories this season with a strong showing particularly in the second half of the year including a third place at the Portugal Masters, his highest finish since the beginning of 2008. His season also includes a share for 11th at the Alstom Open de France and tied 14th at the Omega European Masters.

“I have always enjoyed playing in Malaysia but it will be my first time playing the Iskandar Johor Open and I am looking forward to being a contender. My game is in a good place at the moment and I am looking to continue the momentum I’ve gained from solid performances over the past few months.

“It would be great to end the year with a victory at Horizon Hills Golf Club so I’ll be going all out to achieve it,” said the Kiwi, who is a regular in this parts, having won the the Dunhill Masters back in 1995.