The storied Malaysian Open will make a welcome return after a four-year hiatus when the 55th edition tees off at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club on March 5-8, 2020.
The revival of the tournament was revealed by the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) at a press conference today, during which it was also announced that the reigning King of Malaysia, DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, has consented to be the Royal Patron of the national golf body.
“I am pleased to note that the Malaysian Golf Association has been tirelessly and continuously working to develop golf in the country, not only as a sport but also as an industry that can contribute to the country’s economy. I believe there’s a lot more that can be done to further develop the game in the country, such as enhancing junior development program to unearth more talents that will represent the country in the future. I am happy to work with MGA and contribute towards achieving these objectives,” said His Majesty, an ardent sportsman and golf enthusiast.
“The success of our ladies team to win the Silver Medal at the recent SEA Games proved that our players are head and shoulders equal, if not better, in comparison to golfers from other countries in this region. I am confident that with our concerted efforts, we can make Malaysia a regional golf powerhouse,” His Majesty added.
MGA president Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor noted that the MGA is honoured that His Majesty has consented to be the association’s Royal Patron. “MGA is indeed blessed with the patronage and honoured that His Majesty shares MGA’s aspirations and objectives to further develop and promote the sports of golf in the country,” he said.
Carrying the tagline ‘Pride, Passion, Prominence’, the Malaysian Open 2020 offers total prize money of US$1 million (approx. RM4.16 million) with the champion cashing in US$180,000 (approx. RM750,000). The event will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO), with the field including 40 slots for Malaysians.
MGA president Tan Sri Anwar
“For the 2020 edition, 40 slots will be offered to our local players, comprising 30 slots reserved for eligible Malaysian professionals and 10 slots for Malaysian amateurs made up of national players and top Malaysian juniors. We hope that our Malaysian players will take this opportunity to train hard to compete with their peers from the Asian and Japan Tours and vie for the top honours in this championship,” said Tan Sri Anwar.
Established in 1962, the Malaysian Open has attracted some of the biggest names in golf over the years including Rory McIlroy, Vijay Singh, Martin Kaymer, Louis Oouisthuizen, Thongchai Jaidee, Lee Westwood, Ernie Els and Charl Schwartzel.
Asian Tour commissioner and CEO Cho Minn Thant lauded the return of the Malaysian Open on the Asian Tour. “I would like to express our gratitude to the Malaysian Golf Association for their outstanding support of the game at the highest level in Asia. The tournament’s return to our schedule is a massive boost for the tour as we continue to strive in promoting professional golf across Asia.
“Malaysia has always been a key market for the Asian Tour. The return of the country’s national open will not only inspire a new generation of Malaysian golfers but also create further opportunities for our members to showcase their talents,” said Cho.
The tournament will be promoted by a new sports marketing company, Winning Matters Sdn Bhd, headed by chief executive officer Arep Kulal.
“We’re proud to be the event promoter for the Malaysian Open, the country’s most storied professional golf championship. We are planning a host of exciting activities leading up to the event week, which will be announced in due time. Of course, our aim is to make this event a world-class professional golf tournament and we will spare no efforts to achieve this,” said Arep.
“Furthermore, with next year being the Visit Malaysia Year 2020, we will strive to make the Malaysian Open 2020, with the strong support from the media, an exciting championship that will generate positive publicity for the game highlighting the country as a top notch golf destination in this region. This hopefully will contribute towards attracting more golf tourists to our shores,” he added.
Owned and operated by Gamuda Land, Kota Permai also hosted the Malaysian Open in 2008 when India’s Arjun Atwal won a playoff against defending champion Peter Hedblom of Sweden. Atwal carded a closing 64 to force the sudden death decider and claim his second Malaysian Open title, having won previously at The Mines in 2003.
The award-winning Kota Permai course is rated as one of the best in Asia and has achieved worldwide acclaim for its slick and challenging greens.
“Indeed, the Malaysian Open remains close to the hearts of all Malaysian golfers and hosting the event after its four-year hiatus is a huge honour for our team, our members and the club as a whole. We are sure that our members will be out in force to catch the 156-player field of local and international stars displaying their golfing prowess over the four days, and as host venue, we are confident that players, officials and supporters will have a positively enjoyable and memorable experience,” said Tang Meng Loon, Gamuda Land’s director of club operations, township & property management.
Kota Permai GCC
