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Empire to host Brunei Open again

The prestigious and highly acclaimed Empire Hotel and Country Club will be the proud host year of the 2006 Brunei Open in August for the second successive year.

The par-71 gem, designed by golf icon Jack Nicklaus, will be at the centre of attention once again as the stars from the Asian Tour prepare for a return to the wonderful venue to compete for glory in Brunei.

The overwhelming view, embracing everything from the coasts of the South China Sea to the fringed tropical forest, coupled with the challenging course layout, prompted the Asian Tour players to vote the Empire Hotel and Country Club as the Host Venue of the Year in 2005.

"Empire is one of the best courses we've played in Asia,” said India's Amandeep Johl, who was a member of the victorious Asian team at the Visa Dynasty Cup last year.

The venue also captivated the attention of Aussie talent Scott Barr who lavished praise on the pristine course condition. "It's very exciting for the players. The whole setting here is mind-blowing. It's a fantastic course and it's a great resort. Brunei has given the Asian Tour an opportunity to show what we can do," said Barr.

"The course is a very fair test of golf. The fairways are generous but Jack Nicklaus has put a premium on good iron play. The greens are superb. The best golfer will win and luck won't come into it on this course. You have to hit good shots over here,” he said.

Last season’s Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand expressed his admiration as well for the course, saying its undulation and trickery provided a stern challenge to the best players.

“This course is hilly, and challenging," he said.

Last year’s tournament was dominated by Australian Terry Pilkadaris who captured Brunei’s first ever professional golf tournament title with a wonderful display of golf. He tackled the course brilliantly leaving compatriot Jarrod Lyle five strokes off the pace in second position. The win illustrates the course’s intricate design which brings out the best in every aspect of a players game.

March 22, 2006