Two-time champ Thomas aiming for third CIMB Classic title
PETALING JAYA: World No. 4 and two-time champion Justin Thomas will return for another shot at the CIMB Classic title from Oct 11-14.
Also confirmed are BMW Championship winner Keegan Bradley, Ryder Cup star Paul Casey, Japanese ace Hideki Matsuyama, Xander Schauffele and World Golf Hall of Fame members – Ernie Els and Davis Love III.
Thomas has a close affinity with the CIMB Classic as it was at the prestigious event here that he claimed his maiden US PGA Tour victory in 2015.
The long-hitting American successfully defended his title in 2016 and has since won nine PGA Tour tournaments, including the 2017 FedExCup title and Player of the Year honours in 2017.
In the current 2017-2018 PGA Tour season, the talented 25-yearold has won three times and also became world No. 1 for four weeks in May.
When Thomas returns to the TPC Kuala Lumpur’s newly upgraded West course, he will be amongst the favourites as he has returned 60-under in 12 rounds at the venue.
In-form Bradley, who finished runner-up at the CIMB Classic last year, will return to Malaysia in winning mood after claiming the BMW Championship in a playoff on Monday for his fourth PGA Tour title.
Rising star and world No. 18 Schauffele has also committed to take another crack at the CIMB Classic after his impressive equal third finish in his debut last year.
The 2017-2018 Rookie of the Year has five top-10s on the PGA Tour this season.
Thomas is looking forward to his return to Malaysia.
He said: “I’m really excited to be heading back for the CIMB Classic. I have very fond memories of Kuala Lumpur as it was where I had my first PGA Tour victory in 2015, and then to successfully defend the title in 2016 was truly special.
“I look forward to the opportunity to become the first player to win the CIMB Classic three times!”
Two Malaysian golfers will once again compete against the global stars from the PGA Tour.
One slot has been allocated to the winner of the CIMB National Championship scheduled for Sept 25-28 at TPC Kuala Lumpur’s East course.
The highest ranked Malaysian on the Official World Golf Ranking as of Oct 1 will also earn the right to play in the CIMB Classic.