2006 Brunei Open - Event Preview

The Brunei Open will return for its second edition from August 24-27, 2006 with a promise of greater excitement from the Asian Tour's highly talented cast.

After a successful and historic launch last year, the Championship, with the support of Brunei Tourism, will once again be played at the prestigious Empire Hotel and Country Club, voted by players as the Host Venue of the Year on the Asian Tour last season.

Some of the region's finest players who are tipped to feature prominently in this year's US$300,000 event include defending champion Terry Pilkadaris of Australia, compatriot Scott Strange, who won the recent Philippine Open, last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, India’s Jyoti Randhawa, the Asian number one in 2002 and Malaysia's Danny Chia, who was fifth here last year.

Brunei Tourism Director Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed said: “The success of last year’s event has become the driving force behind the staging of the second edition this year. We are proud and honoured to work alongside the Asian Tour and help develop golf in this country.

“The inaugural tournament last year was a great boost for golf in Brunei as many spectators flocked the course to watch the Asian Tour stars at their best. This year, we hope to attract even bigger crowds to further boost the popularity of the sport in this country.

"I have every confidence the Brunei Open has a great future and with the support of the media and corporate Brunei, we will maintain our push to grow our very own Championship into a truly major sporting spectacle in Asia."

Sheikh Jamaluddin added that part of the objectives of supporting the Brunei Open was to also extensively promote tourism in the sultanate. "Last year, the Brunei Open was showcased across Asia through some wonderful pictures and coverage on ESPN StarSports and this was a massive boost for the event and our nation," he said.

A total of 156 players, including a selection of Brunei golfers, will tee off in the second edition of the Brunei Open.

Asian Tour Chief Executive Louis Martin said the return of the Brunei Open was a huge lift for the game in the region as well as the emerging golf nation. “I am optimistic that Brunei will continue to enjoy continuous growth in golf, thanks largely to the tremendous efforts of Brunei Tourism, Brunei Darussalam Golf Association, the Empire Hotel and Country Club and other valued sponsors,” said Martin.

“The second edition of the Brunei Open is another vital step towards attracting young enthusiasts to learn the game. I am convinced that this year's edition will also surpass the achievements and excitement of 2005. The initial entry list already includes some of our best known stars and it promises to be another thrilling week of golf,” added Martin.

None will be more delighted to return to the oil-rich Sultanate than last year's champion, Pilkadaris. “The hotel and the golf course is definitely one of the best I’ve been to. The conditions here are ideal; it has a great driving range and great practice greens. The course was superb (last year) and the hotel was fantastic,” said Pilkadaris, who won with a winning aggregate of 19-under-par 265 last year.

The highly-acclaimed par-71 Empire course, designed by golf icon Jack Nicklaus, was the centre of attention at the event's launch and it drew overwhelming praises from all the players. The breathtaking views, which stretch from the coasts of the South China Sea to the lush green forests, coupled with the challenging layout and immaculate course condition, prompted the region's players to vote the Empire Hotel and Country Club as a class above the rest.

The Empire Hotel & Country Club General Manager Ms Anne Busfield said the Club would take every effort to ensure another outstanding event. “We are confident that the second edition of the Brunei Open will be another memorable tournament for the players and spectators. We will make it our utmost priority to ensure that the golf course remains at its best condition and we are confident that the skills of the players will be put to the ultimate test when they tee off here again in August.”

About the Brunei Open 2006
The Brunei Open is celebrating its second edition this year following its historic launch in 2005. The Championship is supported and organised by the Brunei Tourism. The Brunei Open is once again staged at the award-winning Empire Hotel and Country Club, which is designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Brunei Open 2006 sponsors are: The Empire Hotel and Country Club (Host Venue and Official Hotel), Standard Chartered Bank (Main Sponsor), Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn. Bhd (sponsor), Royal Brunei Airlines (Official Airlines), Srixon (Official Ball), Cross Creek (Official Apparel), Suci Mineral Water (Official Water), and CityNeon Brunei (Official Contractor). The Brunei Open is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, which is the governing body for professional tournament golf in Asia and locally by the Brunei Darussalam Golf Association (BDGA).

About Brunei Tourism
Brunei Darussalam, a peaceful and wealthy kingdom on the northern shores of Borneo, is known for having one of the most pristine tropical rainforest environments anywhere, as well as for the pomp and opulence of its centuries old monarchy, steeped in ancient Malay traditions. With easy international direct access through its Royal Brunei Airlines carrier and other regional airlines, and with an up-market product and image appealing to discerning travelers, Brunei is an exciting and safe new destination waiting to be discovered.

August 8, 2006

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