The fifth edition of the prestigious Iskandar Johor Open promises to be the best yet, with a new co-sanctioning arrangement between The European and Asian Tours and a significant increase in the total prize money to a record US$2million.
Since its inception in 2007, the Iskandar Johor Open has been a full-field Asian Tour event, but from this year the eagerly awaited championship will be co-sanctioned by The European and Asian Tours, ensuring an intriguing clash of continents with what promises to be the strongest 156-player field in the tournament’s five-year history.
Reigning champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland is among the top European Tour players headlining the stellar line-up in the event which, for the second consecutive year, will be hosted by Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club.
Harrington said: “I’m really looking forward to returning to the Iskandar Johor Open to defend my title. Any tournament win is special, but after a two-year wait it felt especially good. I very much enjoy my travels to Asia to compete with their best players and experience the local culture.”
Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of The European Tour, said: “We are delighted to co-sanction the Iskandar Johor Open with our partners at the Asian Tour for the first time. The tournament has grown in stature since its inception five years ago, and we hope our involvement will help continue this growth. Some stellar names have won the event in recent years, and with a significantly increased prize fund available this year, we can expect some of the world’s best players to compete for the title at the magnificent Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club in November.”
“The Iskandar Johor Open has been an astounding success over the past few years, and naturally it fuels further growth for the championship as it rises to prominence,” said Chairman of the IJO organising committee and Menteri Besar of Johor, Y.A.B Dato’ Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman.
“It’s certainly great news that Harrington will be defending his title, and his presence is a fitting testament to the prestige of the event. I’m sure more top players will be announced in the coming months as preparation goes full steam ahead,” he added.
When Harrington ended his two-year winless streak at the Iskandar Johor Open last year, his popular victory came with a US$198,125 reward from a total purse of US$1.25 million. This year, the event offers a 60 per cent increase in prize money to US$2 million, with the winner earning US$317,000.
In the first edition in 2007, Filipino Artemio Murakami etched his name on the trophy as the inaugural champion and took home the US$47,750 winner’s cheque. A year later, South African star Retief Goosen ended a frustrating 21-month title drought with a magnificent two-stroke victory, and earned US$79,250.
In 2009, it was KJ Choi’s turn to rejuvenate his career with an uplifting effort to stay hot in a wet and cold week. The philanthropic Korean star won the weather-interrupted event with an aggregate winning total of 20 under par 196 to collect US$158,500, a portion of which he donated to various Johor-based charities.
Besides steady growth in the total purse over the years, the tournament has also had improved player fields. In last year’s edition, the event featured a truly international field consisting of players from 24 countries from as far afield as Brazil, Mexico and Zimbabwe.
“From a purse of US$300,000 in its first edition in 2007 to US$2 million this year, it is satisfying to note that in five short years, the Iskandar Johor Open has reached such dizzying heights. We have seen the likes of established stars such as Sweden’s Niclas Fasth, multiple major winners in Retief Goosen and Harrington, Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie, and Korean superstar KJ Choi play in the Iskandar Johor Open, and I believe this year will boast an even better playing field with the support of The European Tour,” added the Menteri Besar.
One of the benefits of being co-sanctioned by The European Tour is the event’s inclusion as part of the Tour’s season-long Race to Dubai, which spans 52 tournaments on the schedule this year.
The top 60 players in The Race to Dubai will qualify for the Dubai World Championship, and the winner of The Race to Dubai will receive US$1.5 million from the US$7.5 million bonus pool and a seven-year European Tour exemption.
The Iskandar Johor Open’s elevated status also comes with a change in dates to accommodate the schedules of both Tours, which means the tournament has moved from its traditional October date to November 17-20, 2011.
“Co-sanctioning by The European and Asian Tours, more lucrative prize money on offer and new dates will definitely draw the world’s top players to Johor this November. Undeniably we are thrilled with these developments, and I’m sure local golf fans will be delighted with the opportunity to watch an exciting line-up of top professionals challenging for the Iskandar Johor Open title,” added the Menteri Besar.
“It is estimated that 400 million people in more than 40 countries around the world watched the event last year. With an added platform provided by The European Tour, the Iskandar Johor Open will reach a larger audience this year, offering greater visibility to Iskandar Malaysia as a major holiday and recreation destination.”
Horizon Hill’s 6,271-metre, par 72 championship layout proved a popular venue last year. The sprawling 18-hole international championship golf course, designed by renowned architect Ross Watson, earned rave reviews from the players with Harrington describing it as a “very good course with immaculate greens”. The Irishman went on to shoot 20 under par 268 to win by three strokes.
“Hosting the Iskandar Johor Open last year was a great experience for us all at Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club. We look forward to welcoming many world-class players to our club for another fabulous week this year, and with experience we are determined to make it an even better show,” said Tang Meng Loon, General Manager of Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club.
Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour, said: “On behalf of our members, I would like to put on record our deepest appreciation to the State Government of Johor and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority for their tremendous support and commitment to the growth of professional golf in Asia. Certainly, the massive increase in prize fund will further cement Iskandar Johor Open’s status as one of the biggest and most important tournaments on the Asian Tour calendar. We look forward to another exciting week of top quality golf this November.
“With the continued growth of the Iskandar Johor Open, it speaks highly of the development of the professional game on the Asian Tour. We are truly excited to have with us great partners and sponsors who are committed to the game.”
Grant Slack, Vice President of Golf Division, IMG, commented: “It’s heartwarming to be a witness to Iskandar Johor Open’s steady rise in prominence. Being included on The European Tour International Schedule means the championship will now reach a far greater audience than before, further enhancing the status of Malaysia generally, and Johor specifically, as a preferred golfing destination.”
