The Maybank Malaysian Open has increased its prize fund to a record US$2 million (RM7.2million) to maintain its status as the premier tournament in the country and a leading event on the Asian Tour and European Tour calendars.

With a prize purse of RM22,500 in 1962, the Malaysian Open has evolved from being a local event to a world-class tournament. It holds the honour of being the first co-sanctioned event in Asia in 1999 with a prize purse of US$750,000 then.

Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Abdul Majid Iskandar, President of the Malaysian Golf Association said: "The huge growth and continued maturity of the Maybank Malaysian Open could only have been possible with the support and long term vision of Maybank, as title sponsor and the family of sponsors which the Maybank Malaysian Open has.

"Since Maybank took over the title sponsorship in 2005, we have truly benefited from their support and commitment to the event and this can be most clearly seen by them increasing the prize purse by almost 100% (from 2004). The continuous growth has provided the platform for Malaysia and the Malaysian Open to showcase itself on the local, regional and global stage."

Tan Sri Mohamed Basir Bin Ahmad, Chairman of Maybank said: "We are pleased to be the Title Sponsor for the third year running of the Maybank Malaysian Open 2008. Our continuing commitment to the Open reinforces Maybank's brand affiliation of delivering world class experience. Our sponsorship is part of our corporate social responsibility programme to promote the development of golf as a healthy and competitive sport in Malaysia .

"We have decided to increase the prize purse from last year which will continue to ensure that the Maybank Malaysian Open remains a pinnacle of golf in the region and that leading players on the Asian Tour and European Tour come to Malaysia to showcase the sport to Malaysians and a worldwide audience. We believe that the prestige of the Maybank Malaysian Open extends beyond the monetary value. Players and fans alike will experience the long tradition of honour, pride and great moments of the Open as well as cherish the camaraderie forged during the Open," he added.

Basir also announced that the Maybank Malaysian Open 2008 will be held from March 6-9, 2008 at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club in Shah Alam, located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur .

Kota Permai Golf and Country Club has played host to many of the leading events that have been held in Malaysia . Among some of the events include the Volvo Masters of Malaysia, Volvo Masters of Asia and the World Cup Qualifier.

The Par-72 Championship Course, which plays over 7,100 yards was designed by renowned Australian designer, Ross Watson and is a true testament to the challenges, which awaits the players.

Kota Permai General Manager Ding Meng Sieng said: "We would like to thank the MGA and Maybank for bestowing the honour of selecting Kota Permai Golf and Country Club as the host venue for the Maybank Malaysian Open 2008. The club has gained vast experience in hosting world-class events in previous years, and we are confident of delivering and exceeding the high expectations which the National Open requires."

Gerry Norquist , Senior Vice President, Asian Tour, said: "The Maybank Malaysian Open 2008 has been moved a month back and we expect a strong playing field, particularly with the Johnnie Walker Classics taking place a week prior".

Norquist added that "the Maybank Malaysian Open has always attracted the best of Asian Tour players and our players have done well at these events. Kota Permai is a proven venue for world class events and with the increase in prize purse; I know that our members would be excited at the prospect of playing here again."

Vicky Jones, European Tour Client Services Director, Asia , reiterated the Tour's staunch support for the Maybank Malaysian Open.

"The event is entering its ninth year on the European Tour international schedule. Our players are indeed looking forward once again to their trip to Kuala Lumpur and the opportunity to pit their skills against the challenges that Kota Permai will pose. On their behalf, I would like to thank Maybank, Kota Permai Golf and Country Club and the Malaysian Golf Association for their support once again".

November 1 , 2007

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