Kuala Lumpur: World number two Luke Donald will grace the stage of the Maybank Malaysian Open for the first time when he tees off at the 52nd edition of the national Open this March.

Donald, who completed an historic double when he won the money titles both side of the Atlantic in 2011, will headline a stellar field of proven winners from both the European and Asian Tours at the resplendent West Course of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club from March 21-24.

Title sponsor Maybank also confirmed that the total prize fund for the 52nd edition will rise to US$2.75 million – an increase of US$250,000 from the past two editions – making it one of the richest national Opens in the region.

In making the announcement, Maybank chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor reitirated the banking powerhouse’s commitment to bringing world class golfing personalities to the tournament and Malaysia as a whole.

“Since Maybank took over the title sponsorship of the Open in 2006, we have made every effort to promote the game and enhance the prestige of the event for Malaysia. We have worked to get top players to inspire our crowds and participants.

“Many have gone on to become even bigger names in golf. We have introduced Malaysians to different players to be inspired by the diversity of talent and skills on the greens. And I am pleased to say this tradition will continue,” said Megat Zaharuddin.

“The confirmation of Luke Donald is indeed another boost for the Maybank Malaysian Open. Donald’s presence, like many other top players we have had in the past, will not only draw the crowd but also strengthen the profile of the Maybank Malaysian Open in the global golfing map.”

While admitting that the Maybank Malaysian Open has to keep up with times and remain competitive by increasing its prize purse to attract the top names in the game, Megat Zaharuddin expressed his confidence that the national Open was not all about money.

“The European and Asian Tours as well as the Malaysian platers appreciate the long tradition of the one of Asia’s oldest Opens as well as the glory and excitement of competing amongst the world’s best. They come to lay their claim on this high-stakes event, one that also gives them that all-important world golf ranking points and in the Race to Dubai – the only tournament in Malaysia to do so,” he noted.

Tournament custodians Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) expressed the important role that the national Open has played in elevating the game of golf in Malaysia.

“The Maybank Malaysian Open has always been a platform for local professional golfers to elevate their performance and propel their careers in the international arena. Many of our professionals and even amateurs have benefited tremendously from the exposure and opportunity to play in a premier European Tour event alongside some of the best professionals from around the world,” said its vice-president Datuk Mohamed Zain Yusof.

The Asian Tour congratulated Maybank on its strong stewardship in ensuring the outstanding success of the Maybank Malaysian Open. “With golf making a welcome return to the Olympiad in 2016 the support from sponsors such as Maybank is crucial as the staging of world-class events like the Maybank Malaysian Open which will provide the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) and a pathway for Asian stars, including the Malaysian golfers, to play their way to Rio De Janeiro in three years’ time,” said Asian Tour’s chief executive Mike Kerr.

Event promoter GlobalOne were confident that the moving the dates of the tournament before The Masters Tournament would not affect the quality of the field this March. “Today’s announcement of Luke Donald is an indication of the impact we are expecting to generate with the field for the 2013 edition. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be announcing a few more big names from within the  world’s top 50 players, including some Major champions,” alluded Global chief executive John Eu.

“Golf’s top stars are very global and have achieved much success in their travel, so we do not expect any problems with securing players with the Open set to take place a good three weeks before The Masters Tournament,” he added.