Maybank golf meet is off this year

PETALING JAYA: It’s off – the fifth edition of the Maybank Championship will not be happening this year.

The US$3mil (RM13.07mil) European Tour event, initially slated for April 16-19 at the Saujana Golf and Country Club in Subang, has been smacked off the calendar by the Covid-19 outbreak.

A check on the European Tour website showed the tournament status still marked as “suspended” rather than “cancelled”.

But the tournament title sponsor and promoter Maybank clarified that the tournament would not be staged this year.

“The championship will not be held in 2020, ” said a Maybank spokesman in an email reply to StarSport.

“This is line with the Health Ministry guidelines on mass gatherings. This move is to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”

The country’s banking giants have given an reassurance that there are plans in place to bring back the country’s richest tournament when the Covid-19 dust settles.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and work with the European Tour and Asian Tour, as well as our other partners, as we plan for the event’s return, ” added the spokesman.

Since its inception in 2016, the Maybank Championship has featured prominently in both the European Tour and Asian Tour calendars.

Some of the world’s best have competed in the tournament, including Majors winners Martin Kaymer of Germany, Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa, Henrik Stenson of Sweden and Danny Willett of England.

Last year’s edition was won by Australian Scott Hend (pic) when he pipped Spaniard Nacho Elvira in the playoff for his 15th career title.

Nicholas Fung cheered the home crowd with a strong display that earned him a commendable tied 15th spot, while Gavin Kyle Green did not disappoint as the Maybank ambassador by coming in joint 30th.