Golf News: - Posted 15th February 1998

Malaysian Open venue changed because of poor greens

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The venue for this week's Malaysia Open golf tournament has been changed because of poor green conditions..

The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) said on Saturday that the open, which starts on Thursday, 19th February, would now be played at the Saujana Golf and Country Club instead of the Subang National Golf Club.

Media reports said 15 of the greens at the Subang club had large sandy patches and three were drying up.

"The decision was taken with great difficulty, taking into consideration the considerable amount of work which has gone into the event by the Subang National Golf Club committee, its members and management," MGA president Thomas Lee told a news conference.

Saujana hosted the tournament last year when Lee Westwood won. The Briton, who went on to win the Australian Open, is due to defend his title in Kuala Lumpur. Other entrants include Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke and Irish World Cup winner Paul McGinley.