
Kuala Lumpur: The 2015 Malaysian Open will remain as one of the richest national Opens on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai after title sponsor Maybank announced an increase in the tournament’s prize purse on Monday.
The increase to US$3 million (RM9.515 million) comes as the nation’s leading financial institution marks its decade-long commitment as the financial muscle behind the staging of the prestigious golfing spectacle, which remains as one of most coveted golfing championships in Asia.
And despite all speculation to the contrary, the 54th edition of the national Open will return to the resplendent Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club from February 5 – 8 next year.
“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. 2015 marks the tenth year that Maybank will bring the Malaysian Open to its fans. And in highlighting our nation’s booming golf tourism destinations, we are thrilled to celebrate this historic milestone” said Maybank chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor.
“Over the past nine years we have strived to make it better and stronger. Leading world major championship winners like Rory Mcllroy, Martin Kaymer, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, and multiple-time winners like Lee Westwood, Thongchai Jaidee have graced the tournament over the years. Next year, with its February date, we will once again have golfing luminaries display a similarly exciting performance and the quality of play that will thrill spectators from around Asia amidst the lush greenery of the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.”
Tournament custodians, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), are also focused on ensuring that the national Open continues to be a tournament to watch out for and a pivotal platform in expanding the reach and quality of the game in the country.
“The Malaysian Open will celebrate its 54th edition in 2015 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 Dato’ Setia Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor.
The Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, will host the national Open for the six consecutive time and the challenging West Course with its multiple dogleg fairways and demanding multi-tiered greens will be primed once again this coming February.
“Once again we have been chosen as the venue for our historical National Open. We regard it as an honor and are looking forward to shoulder the responsibility as the venue for the Open’s 54th edition. We will strive to deliver a great world class golf tournament to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Maybank’s sponsorship,” said Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club general manager Steven Thielke.
The Maybank Malaysian Open has been co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours since 1999 with prize money earned at the championship counting towards the Asian Tour Order of Merit and as well as the Race to Dubai.