Malaysia, PGA Tour on track for long-term relationship
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s meeting with PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem on Wednesday to discuss possibilities of cooperation to continue the development of golf in Malaysia and the region, may open a new chapter in the history of Malaysian golf.
NICE TO MEET YOU: Najib meets PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem (second left) in Washington. — Bernama photo
PGA Tour in a statement yesterday said that the discussions centred on ways to work together to explore areas in which the Tour can use its experience and expertise in Malaysia and the region, to advance certain golf-related programmes, and initiatives.
Najib met Finchem in Washington during his working visit to the US, the statement said.
“The CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia is the first step in what we envisage as a long term working relationship with the PGA Tour.
“The staging of a world-class event in Malaysia will enhance the country’s standing in the international sporting arena and provide testimony to Malaysia’s strong golfing heritage.
“The PGA Tour’s sanctioning elevates the profile of the event and enhances Malaysia’s standing as a destination for major sporting events in the region,” Najib was quoted in the statement.
On Dec 7 last year, the Prime Minister had officially launched and announced the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, which was the first-ever tournament to be sanctioned by the PGA Tour in Southeast Asia.
The Classic, to be held on Oct 28 to 31 at The Mines Resort & Golf Club in Seri Kembangan, will feature an international field of 40 players and offer US$6 million (RM19.8 million) prize money with US$1 million (RM3.3 million) going to the winner.
The top 25 players from the PGA Tour’s final Fedex Cup standings will qualify, as will 10 top Asian players and five sponsor exemptions to complete the playing field and at least one place will be reserved for a Malaysian professional.
The discussions in Washington on the relationship between Malaysia and the PGA Tour covered several potential new areas of cooperation including elite player training, development of a PGA Tour TPC (Tour Players Course) facility in Malaysia, a Malaysian-based Tour Academy and grass-root development for golf, the statement said.
Najib was also quoted as saying that “Malaysia is rapidly emerging as Asia’s leading golf destination, with over 200 golf courses currently available around the country.
“Our intention is to elevate the standard of professional golf and golf itself in Malaysia, to new heights, working with the leading Tour in the world.”
He also emphasised the opportunities that a close working relationship could provide in the development of a long term and sustainable programme aimed at creating a pool of world-class players in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Finchem noted that PGA Tour was very excited to partner Malaysia in the launch of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, as well as other potential programmes and initiatives that will expand the introduction of golf and progression of the country’s most promising players.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the PGA Tour to help with the continued growth of golf in the region through the integration of several of our instructional and play assets,” he said.
Also covered as part of the discussions between the Prime Minister and Finchem were opportunities to develop a nationwide program to teach life skills through golf, provide significant access for players new to the game and expose underprivileged Malaysians to golf through municipal and short course development and training programmes for schools and life coaches, the statement added. — Bernama