Beauty from West awaits the best

The West Course at KLGCC will again play host to a big international event, the Maybank Championship.

ON the world map of golf, Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club is again in the spotlight, this time, welcoming the best players in the women’s game to Malaysia’s showpiece – that’s in less than a fortnight’s time.

Widely regarded as one of Asia’s leading golf destinations, the Sime Darby Property venue is down to play host to the LPGA Tour’s second Maybank Championship, from Oct 24 to 27.

Part of the tour’s Asian Swing, the US$3mil tournament will again feature a star-studded line-up that will include American world No. 1 Nelly Korda, defending champion Celine Boutier of France, last season’s runner-up Jeeno Tittikul of Thailand, a competent Malaysian contingent spearheaded by Maybank’s Asean ambassador Kelly Tan, top-ranked Ashley Lau, and an Asean component drawn from an inaugural qualifier in August.

With lots to do for the whole family, besides the golf, the week-long event promises much excitement and is designed to generate memorable experiences.

With this, TeeUp spoke to KLGCC general manager Adam Calver about just what it entails, with a particular reference to the West Course.

A French Solheim Cup player, Celine Boutier will be back to defend her Maybank Championship crown at KLGCC in less than two weeks. — AFP

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Q: Have preparations for the course started, and if so, how far have they progressed?

AC: Course preparations for the tournament started three months ago, mostly related to agronomic practices, bunker sand replacement and beautifying landscape areas. Our intensive programme starts three weeks before the event which is focused inside the ropes and covers from tee to green, with the main objective being to provide the highest playing standards through tournament week.

Q: The West Course has a long history of being a top championship layout, what sort of tweaks have been affected this year in terms of additions?

AC: The greens and fairways will be firmer and if weather is good there will be a possibility of play without preferred lies. The rough height will be set at 2.5in.

Q: What length, or thereabouts, is it likely to play, and what are the green speeds that will be targeted?

AC: It will play 6,536 yards, and the targeted green speed will be 11.6 feet on the Stimpmeter.

Q: How long will the course be closed for the preparations (with effect from)?

AC: Our West Course will be temporarily closed from Sept 30 to Oct 30, 2024 to accommodate preparations for the Maybank Championship.

And the East Course will be closed from Oct 21 to 27.

Both courses will reopen and resume normal operations after the conclusion of the Maybank Championship.

Q: The fans love walking this course, are there any additions or improvements made for the fans this year?

AC: We will extend bigger spaces for spectator areas like Holes 7/12 and 2/13, and at the food and beverage outlets there’ll be more varieties, snack bites and drinks, seating areas and beverage carts on course.

Q: What else can the fans look forward to this year with regards to the club and wht the clubhouse may offer?

AC: This year, fans can expect an exciting experience at our club and clubhouse. Here’s what we have in store:

Interactive Booth: We will have our own KLGCC booth located at the Maybank Village featuring fun interactive games for everyone to test their golf skills.

Promotions: Look out for promotions on golf and sports, banquet events and memberships.

Open F&B Outlets: All our food and beverage outlets will be open to cater to visitors attending the Maybank Championship, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Some of the options include Victoria Harbour, Matsuya Japanese Restaurant, Qureshi and several others.

18 Lab Coffee: Don’t miss our special coffee offerings under the 18 Lab by KLGCC, this is perfect for coffee lovers.

There will be even more fun activities available throughout the event. Come join us and let’s make this event unforgettable!

Q: Could you kindly share any updates with regards to the parking and shuttle busing for fans?

AC: We are pleased to provide the following updates regarding parking and shuttle bus services for fans: Parking Zones:

• Zone 1: MRT Phileo Damansara
• Zone 2: Kiara Equestrian
• Zone 3: INTAN (available on Saturday & Sunday only)

Shuttle Service:

Shuttle buses and vans are available between Zone 1 to Zone 3 and the club for your convenience.

Parking Fees: Kiara Equestrian and INTAN: RM10 per day.

We encourage all fans to utilise these parking zones and the shuttle bus services to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Q: Is there anything in general that you could share with our readers?

AC: Come and witness the top female golfers in action, including World No. 1 Nelly Korda, defending champion Celine Boutier, last year’s runner-up Jeeno Tittikul, Japan’s Ayaka Furue and rising star American Rose Zhang, as they compete in the US$3mil Maybank Championship this October.

Th event includes five talented players from the region who have earned spots through the Asean Qualifier: Ida Ayu Indira Melati Putri from Indonesia, Chayanit Wangmahaporn from Thailand, Malaysia’s newly-turned pro Liyana Durisic, Indonesian amateur Kristina Natalia Yoko, and Nur Durriyah Damian from Malaysia.

Join us for world-class golf with unreserved general admission. Tickets are available as RM38 Day Passes (Thursday and Friday), RM68 Weekend Passes (Saturday and Sunday), and RM88 Season Passes (all four days). Children under 12 and Maybank Cardholders or MAE App users enjoy free entry.