Woods to spearhead star-studded cast in 2012 CIMB Classic
Posted on August 7, 2012, Tuesday
PRESTIGIOUS EVENT: Najib (fourth left) shows a ‘Putter’ to symbolically launched the The CIMB Classic 2012 yesterday. Returning to the prestigious golf competition in the Asian region are Tiger Woods, defending champion Bo Van Pelt and 2010 champion, Ben Crane. — Bernama photo
PUTRAJAYA: Golf icon Tiger Woods will make a comeback to the Malaysian shores after a 13-year hiatus spearhead a star-studded cast at the CIMB Classic 2012 to be held at The Mines Resort and Golf Club from Oct 25-28.
Confirming his participation in the tournament via a recorded video message at the official launch of the CIMB Classic 2012 here yesterday, Woods said: “I look forward to coming back to Malaysia at the end of October.
“I played the World Cup in 1999 and have fond memories of the country and the people. I’ve heard that CIMB does a good job staging the event. It has traditionally boasted a strong field and I look forward to being part of it this year,” he said.
Also returning to the prestigious golf competition in the Asian region are defending champion Bo Van Pelt and 2010 champion, Ben Crane.
The CIMB Classic 2012, formerly known as the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, was officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here yesterday.
Meanwhile CIMB Group chief executive Datuk Seri Nazir Razak later told a press conference that the competition would become a full fledged money event on the PGA Tour and would be part of the FedEx Cup from next year.
He said in line with its elevated status, the 2013 event would have a field of 78 players instead of the current 48 and the prize money would also be increased from US$6.1 million (RM19.52 million) to US$7.0 million (RM22.4 million).
“The plan has always been to become a full fledged event of the PGA Tour, so this is fantastic news for us, for Malaysia and for the region,” said Nazir.
He said CIMB had signed a new 5-year agreement from 2012 to 2016 with the PGA Tour effective this year and the tournament would be managed and operated by the PGA Tour itself.
This year’s competition remains a 48-player competition comprising 30 from the top FedEx points winners, 10 from Asian Tour Order of Merit and eight sponsor exempted players.
Last year, Malaysia was represented by local pros Shaaban Hussin and Danny Chia. — Bernama
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