KUALA LUMPUR: The Classic is here to stay after CIMB Group announced a four-year extension of its title sponsorship, which will take the US$7 million PGA Tour‬ tournament through 2020.

The extension reflects the success of the only official FedExCup event in Southeast Asia, which is also the richest in the region with a purse of US$7 million.

Since it was first staged, the tournament has attracted some of the biggest names in golf including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els and Ryo Ishikawa.

Speaking at the press conference on Tuesday, CIMB Group chief executive Tengku Dato’ Sri Zafrul Aziz said: “CIMB Classic has firmly placed Malaysia on the PGA Tour calendar, and we are pleased to continue our title sponsorship of the tournament, which has grown from strength to strength over the last six years.

“Today’s announcement is a clear demonstration of the Group’s appreciation to PGA Tour and our firm commitment to further develop CIMB Classic into a top golf event not only in Malaysia but also in ASEAN. The tournament continues to generate quite a following and we will continue to deliver an exceptional experience for players and fans alike.”

“Since its inception six years ago, the CIMB Classic has established an important international presence for the Tour during the early portion of the FedExCup schedule,” noted PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem in a pre-recorded message.

“As a pre-eminent banking institution in Southeast Asia that is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, CIMB has provided the critical support needed for the tournament to develop and prosper. I had the opportunity to attend the CIMB Classic last year and was very impressed not only by what I saw, but by the potential it has for future growth. We are thrilled that CIMB will continue its sponsorship and we look forward to working with CIMB on continuing and strengthening our successful presence in Malaysia,” added Finchem.

The 2016 edition will take place from October 20-23 at TPC Kuala Lumpur (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club).

Similar to previous editions, the winner of the Sapura Kencana National Qualifier, which will be held from September 20-22 and the top-ranked Malaysian on the Official World Golf Ranking as of October 11 will be awarded starts at the tournament.