Padraig Harrington, Matteo Manassero and Charl Schwartzel have confirmed their participation in the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, from March 21 to 24, joining former World Number One Luke Donald in the field at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
Three-time Major Champion Harrington, from Ireland, last played in the event in 2006, when he finished tied 13th, while Italian Manassero won the 2011 tournament days before his 18thbirthday and was tied seventh in his defence last year.
South African Schwartzel, who also played in 2011 a week after winning the Masters Tournament, finished sixth in last year’s tournament, which was won by his close friend and compatriot Louis Oosthuizen.
Schwartzel said: “It’s one of my favourite events of the year and I love Asia – the food, people, culture and golf courses.”
Maybank Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor, said: “The confirmation of these World Top 50 Players in this year’s Maybank Malaysian Open shows the strength of our event as well as Malaysia’s strong standing in the golf industry. Spectators will get to see a mix of stars, experience world-class action and be inspired at our own greens. With many renowned golfers who are expected to confirm the participation the coming weeks, I foresee that spectators are in for some spectacular golf action.”
President of the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, said: “The Maybank Malaysian Open has always been a valuable avenue for our professionals to gain experience and expose themselves to high-calibre international golfers. Our Malaysian professionals will definitely benefit from being in the same tournament as these three top golfers.”
John Eu, Chief Executive Officer of GlobalOne, the event promoter, said: “The participation of these top golfers not only further heightens the profile of the prestigious tournament but will also heighten the action during the four-day event. It will be an exhilarating event that fans and golfers would not want to miss.”
The Maybank Malaysian Open is regarded as the most prestigious golf event in the country and a leading National Open in the region. The event has hosted some of the best international and regional professional golfers. Since taking up the title sponsorship eight years ago, Maybank has successfully attracted high-calibre golfers from around the world, such as Rory McIIroy, Louis Oosthuizen, Martin Kaymer, Thongchai Jaidee, KJ Choi and Alvaro Quiros. This year, the tournament ups the ante with a prize purse of US$2.75 million, an increase of US$250,000 from last year.
For information on the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, visitwww.maybankmalaysianopen.comor follow us on Twitter @maybankmsiaopenor#maybankmalaysianopen. Tickets for the event are available now. For information on ticketing, please go towww.ticketpro.com.my.
