Exciting build up: (from left) Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) general manager Steven Thielke, Eurosia Golf Ltd senior director Charlie Tingey, Malaysian Golf Association president Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, Maybank chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor, Global One chief executive officer John Eu and Asian Tour chairman Kyi Hla Han pose with the 2015 Maybank Malaysian Open trophy during the press conference. The tournament tees of at the KLGCC on Feb 5-9 - By Izzrafiq Alias/The Star.
KUALA LUMPUR: Major winner Graeme McDowell and his Europe Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley are the first big names to have confirmed their participation in next year’s US$3mil (RM10.34mil) Maybank Malaysian Open.
The two Ryder Cup winners will join a stellar cast of 156 players from the Asian Tour and European Tour for the prestigious co-sanctioned tournament, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club from Feb 5 -8.
World No.15 McDowell, nicknamed G-Mac, is making a comeback after a lapse of six years.
The 35-year-old Northern Irishman, who won the 2010 US Open for his maiden major title, last played here in 2008 and finished joint 17th.
“It has been a few years since I’ve had the chance to get back to playing in the Maybank Malaysian Open. I’ve heard so many great things about the tournament from friends; Lee Westwood (defending champion) has played very well there,” said McDowell in a recorded video interview.
“I’ve played it a few times back in my early days on the European Tour and it’s great to have the chance to go back there ... to a real authentic world-class global event.
“I’d like to follow the footsteps of guys like Lee Westwood, who has won multiple tournaments around the world, and to win the Maybank Malaysian Open would be a nice addition to my CV.
“I’m excited to get back ... just a great place to start the year,” added the 10-time European Tour winner.
McGinley, who inspired his European side to humble the United States 16½-11½ in this year’s Ryder Cup, is also looking forward to his trip back to the Malaysian capital.
The 47-year-old, a World Cup winner in1997 with Padraig Harrington, is definitely no stranger to the local golf scene.
The Irishman made his debut in 1994 and has made eight Malaysian Open appearances to date. His best finish was a joint fourth placing in 2005.
“It’s one of my favourite cities around the world. KL. A vibrant city, I love the weather,” said McGinley, who has four European Tour wins under his belt.
Maybank chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor is thrilled to have McDowell and McGinley gracing the event.
“In 2015, as we celebrate the 10th year as the title sponsor of the Malaysian Open, we continue with the tradition of bringing a selection of golfing personalities to Malaysia,” he said.
“We are proud of our role in the Maybank Malaysian Open, showcasing a world-class tournament steeped in Malaysian history. Its schedule, in the early part of the professional season, has produced surprising winners ... and I expect next version to yield similar excitement and outcome.”
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