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2009 Brunei Open to be greener than ever

The Brunei Open 2009 returns to the Asian Tour Schedule next month where organisers will use the popular tournament to promote environmental awareness this year.

The fifth edition of the Brunei Open will take place at the prestigious Empire Hotel and Country Club from July 30 to August 2 and offer a total prize fund of US$300,000.

Since its inauguration in 2005, Asia's best players and spectators have been captivated by the lush and serene surroundings within the world-class par-71 Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course which in general reflects the sultanate's reputation for its rich natural heritage.

As part of efforts to promote the Green Theme, this year's Brunei Open will include several activities involving the Asian Tour stars and spectators.

Brunei Shell Petroleum will title sponsor the Brunei Open once again while other partners include Brunei Tourism, under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, The Empire Hotel and Country Club, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Darussalam Golf Association, Cross Creek and Srixon.

Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and Chairman of Brunei Tourism Board Dato Hamdillah H.A. Wahab said the Brunei Open will be a great platform to promote Brunei as a green lung nation as well as to further develop golf.

"Over the past four years, the Brunei Open has received tremendous worldwide coverage. We have grown from strength-to-strength since 2005 and the interest of golf has certainly increased by many folds in our country," said Hamdillah.

"Last year, our very own Seruji Setia played in all four rounds of the tournament which was a first in the history of the Brunei Open. It still remains our dream that one day, a Bruneian will lift the Brunei Open trophy and we are confident that we will realise this dream."

Hamdillah added that it was important for the Brunei Open to embrace a Green Theme, saying the event will provide a good platform to raise awareness amongst the public.

"This year will be slightly different compared to previous years where we will include various activities that will touch on environmental aspects to create awareness among the players and spectators," said Hamdillah.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han expects another memorable week of golf and fully supports the environmental awareness campaign. He said that the Brunei Open will once again commemorate the birthday of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

"It is part of our social responsibility to give back to the communities that we visit and the Asian Tour is delighted to have its players play a role in this campaign. I'm confident that through this Green Theme initiative, more people will be made aware of the environment and do their part to be more environmental friendly," said Han.

Last year, Australian Rick Kulacz captured the Brunei Open title after beating Chinese Taipei's Lu Wen-teh in a play-off when he sank an amazing bunker shot for birdie on the 18th hole.

He joined an illustrious list of past champions who include inaugural winner Terry Pilkadaris of Australia, Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang and compatriot Lin Wen-tang.

June 26, 2009