Maybank Championship introduces category for region’s best golfers
PETALING JAYA: Upcoming and prospective Asean professional golfers, including Malaysian top ten golfers will have something to vie for at the 2017 Maybank Championship, besides just being ‘participants’ in an international event.
With the introduction of a special Asean category in next year’s edition, scheduled from Feb 9-12 at the Saujana Golf and Country Club in Subang here, the region’s best golfers will have to compete among themselves for the Asean title for the first time in the tournament.
Announcing the new category, Maybank chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Noh said the new category was introduced after seeing the rising standards of golf professionals in the regional countries the bank is operating.
“The standard of golf is growing up in this region. Talents mature faster with opportunities to compete alongside the best and in this case, more regional golfers will be up against some of the world’s elite.
“Our joint Asian/ European Tour tournament has a proven track record in revealing future world beaters and I expect next year’s version to continue to provide new surprises,” he told a press conference on the prestigious tournament here yesterday.
The championship with overall prize money of US$ 3 million ( RM13.38 million), will see top golfers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Phi l ippines, Singapore and Vietnam tee- off alongside some of the world’s best, including five- time European Tour champion, Danny Willett.
Megat Zaharuddin said the golfers will be selected by their home Professional Golfersâ ™ Association ( PGA) order of Merit based on their local tour Order of Merit and their Asian Tour, Asian Development Tour (ADT) and World Rankings.
Me a nwhi l e , Ma l ays ia n Olympian Gavin Kyle Green, who was del ighted by the announcement, wants to be more calmer and smarter after missing the cut when making his debut last year.
“Last year, I was more pressured and had high expectations until pushing too far and overdoing things. I know my limits now, I am going to prepare for it.
“The Asean category will be a huge deal and something to proud of besides creating some excitement. So far this season has gone well with my Olympics debut...It’s a huge stepping stone and I am becoming smarter day by day.
“Playing against some of the world’s best, especially with Masters winner Danny would be a great exposure to watch what and how they are playing and able to see where you’re ranked against them,” the 22-year- old said.
Gavin will be take a month’s rest after finishing his season with the weekend’s ADT, the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation 2016, and is expected to tee- off in two events before the Maybank Championship. — Bernama