Kuala Lumpur: The Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia continued its reputation for attracting the very best in the world following the announcement that three of the most exciting golfers on tour will be coming to Malaysian shores for the sixth edition of the showpiece US$2 million tournament.
Current world no. 2 Lydia Ko of New Zealand, who broke a host of records in her ascendancy to the top of the game last year, will be looking to improve on her tied-eighth place finish when she tees off at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club from October 8-11.
The 18-year-old recently lost her world no.1 ranking to Korean Inbee Park but will be hoping that a good run on the Asian Swing will see her reclaim the top spot before the year-end.
Speaking about her return to Malaysia, Ko said, “It’s a great tournament! I played it for the first time last year and while fortunate to start out strong early on, somehow I couldn’t quite keep it going through the weekend. But I really enjoy the course so I’m looking forward to returning this year.”
A player with first hand experience of what it takes to win in Malaysia is American Lexi Thompson. Champion here in 2013, the 20 year old from Florida took no time in confirming her participation in the US$ 2 million purse event.
One of the most exciting prospects to join the LPGA Tour this year is 19-year-old Australian Minjee Lee. After a stellar amateur career, Lee turned professional in September 2014 and made headlines in May when she picked up her first LPGA Tour win at the Kingsmill Championship.
With 4 top-ten finishes to her name and earnings of over US$ 500,000 in her rookie year to date, Perth-born Lee has a very bright future ahead of her.
Looking ahead to her Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia debut, the world no. 18 said: “I’m looking forward to coming to Malaysia. I’ve had a great first year on tour so far and managed to get my first win so it’s been a pretty amazing start. Right now I’m just trying to get as much experience as possible. The return to Asia in a few months should be exciting and a bit closer to home for me. I’ve never actually played in Malaysia but I’ve heard great things about the tournament so I’m looking forward to it.”
