Maybank today announced that Martin Kaymer will headline the 156-men field at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011, alongside Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel and Rory McIlroy at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club from April 14 -17, 2011.
Kaymer, 26, is currently ranked number two in the world after recently claiming his third Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship title in four years to add to his four victories in 2010, which included the US PGA Championship. He was also a member of the winning European Ryder Cup Team and became the first player since Tiger Woods in 2006 to win three successive tournaments in a year and the first European to achieve this feat since Nick Faldo in 1989.
Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor, Chairman of Maybank, said: “We are delighted with Martin Kaymer’s participation at the Maybank Malaysian Open which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year. This will surely raise the stakes in the game. To have such a sensational star alongside the three international golfers already confirmed - Oosthuizen, Schwartzel and McIlroy, will certainly add grandeur and interest in the Maybank Malaysian Open. This is by far our most impressive line up of players at the Maybank Malaysian Open."
Maybank also announced two local golfers Khor Kheng Hwai and Mohd Sukree Othman have received invitations to play alongside some of the world’s best with hopes to create history as the first Malaysian winner.
Khor Kheng Hwai has participated in various major events in the span of his career including the Brunei Open 2010, The King’s Cup 2010 and The Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters 2009. Up to date, Khor’s best result was produced at the Indonesia Presidential Invitational 2010 where he tied for 40th place.
Mohd Sukree Othman was among top 5 to qualify for the Maybank Malaysian Open through the National Qualifiers in 2010. Sukree emerged as runner-up in two separate occasions – Professional Golf Association ff Malaysia Golf Classic 2010 and the 18th HLA-Saujana Amateur Open 2005, which boosted the credentials of his career as an amateur.
“Khor and Sukree have both contributed to our local golf industry through their unwavering devotion and dedication in representing Malaysia in local and foreign competition. Khor’s overseas participation has produced satisfactory outcomes, proving that it is possible for a local golfer to achieve a great feat playing in a foreign green. Sukree, on the other hand is revered as a dedicated professional golf coach. Together with the other Malaysia players, we hope our local boys will shine in this year’s Open,” added Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor.
In addition to Maybank’s exemption announcement, event organisers, GlobalOne has also announced one of their nominated players - Nicholas Fung - will participate at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 under Global One’s invitation. The 21 year old had a successful amateur career with several wins next to his name including the Sabah International Junior Masters in 2008.
“We have chosen Nicholas Fung as he has performed well in the last couple of years and feel he will be able to represent Malaysia to the best of his ability said John Eu, Chief Executive Officer, GlobalOne.
Making history as the first ever co-sanctioned tournament in Asia by both the Asian and European Tours in 1999, the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 will feature top players from the rankings of both these world-leading circuits to make up the 156-player line-up.
A star-studded field is expected at the 50th edition of the Maybank Malaysian Open vying for the US$2.5 million prize purse.
