RJCC GOES INTO HIGH GEAR FOR THE ISKANDAR JOHOR OPEN
Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 30 September 2009 – The Iskandar Johor Open ("IJO"), the premier tournament of its kind in the southern states of Malaysia, is only 22 days away and preparations at the Royal Johor Country Club ("RJCC") are at a feverish pitch.
With a compelling list of world class golfers expected to descend on the club between 22 October 2009 and 25 October 2009, preparations for this year’s tournament are underway to make this tournament an even more challenging one. The IJO is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Johor Golf Association and the Malaysian Golf Association and is supported by the Johor State Government.
"This year's IJO is one of the most anticipated tournaments on the Asian Tour circuit. Among the most prestigious and rewarding tournaments to be held this year, it's grown from strength to strength over the years. This year's event is no different with a strong line up of Asian and international golfers; a tournament prize of USD 1 million up for grabs; and a course that has been prepared to allow the demonstration of the skills and abilities of some of the best players in the region. It's definitely something to look forward to!" said Manjit Majid Abdullah, organizing secretary of the IJO.
The RJCC has played host to this famed tournament since it began in 2007. Since then, the prize money for the tournament has increased to USD 1 million (RM 3.6 million) this year, making it one of the richest golf tournament purses in the country.
Preparations for this year’s tournament started last year and over the last few weeks the groundskeepers have been working around the clock to ensure that the course is in top condition for the much anticipated tournament. This includes an increase in the number of staff working on site and an intensification of the behind the scenes preparations by organisers and players alike.
At the last course inspection, tournament director Wanchai Meechai from the Asian Tour commented that "The course is looking the best that I have ever seen it. The greens and bunkers are in good shape and have been trimmed perfectly. The boundary markings are also clearer this year. In addition to that, the sand has been replaced in the existing bunkers and the green speed will be maintained at 10."
RJCC is staying on its toes as the beginning of the tournament draws near, ensuring that the course stays lean and green with an increased watering cycle to overcome the current dry spell that the state has been experiencing.
Further preparations already completed include preparing the grounds through careful shaping of the course. The teeing grounds have been cut at 10mm, the fairways at 12mm, the semi rough at 25mm and the rough at 76mm. Excess tree branches have also been trimmed to cater for the tournament and to ensure that spectators have the best view possible of the world class tournament.
Black tee boxes have been closed for three weeks now and staggered play on the course will begin on the 1st October. The course is scheduled to be closed from the 12 October 2009 to 18 October 2009 for final maintenance before tournament week begins.
History and performance
The RJCC is the oldest cow grass championship course in Johor and recognized as one of the most challenging courses for golfers in the country.
Opened in 1972, it was originally known as the Johor Golf Club and was the first 18-hole golf course in Johor. The Club was officially opened by the then Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak, in 1975.
In 1983, Royal status was bestowed on the Club by His Majesty the Sultan of Johor, and the club's name was changed to Royal Johor Country Club (RJCC).
The site of the golf course was originally within a water catchment area and the terrain was covered with virgin tropical jungle. The original jungle trees were retained in its construction, making the course very difficult when one missed the fairways.
The course was extensively upgraded in 1991 and 1992. While extensively upgraded, much of the original jungle was retained creating a naturally scenic course allowing for a course that challenges a golfer's physical and mental skills.
One of Johor’s most popular courses, it favors long hitters, with generous fairways on most holes.
About Iskandar Johor Open
The first edition of the Iskandar Johor Open (IJO) was held in 2007 when it was played from Aug 23 - 26 at the Royal Johor Country Club (RJCC) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Carrying a purse prize of US$300,000, the inaugural tournament saw a total of 156 players from 25 countries. The tournament was won by Artemio Murakami of the Philippines. Murakami came from two off the lead with a near-flawless closing 68 to take the title by one stroke from compatriot Tony Lascuna and the seasoned Scot, Simon Yates for his maiden win on the Asian Tour.
South African Retief Goosen went on to clinch the coveted trophy in the US$ 500,000 Iskandar Johor Open 2008. 144 golf professionals from the Asian Tour battled it out at the Royal Johor Country Club from 30 October – 2 November 2008. The 2nd edition of Iskandar Johor Open was fully sanctioned by the Asian Tour, Malaysian Golf Association and Johor Golf Association and boasted some of the world’s top players – Retief Goosen, Niclas Fasth, Thongchai Jaidee amongst others.
2009 will mark a milestone in the history of Iskandar Johor Open, with a 100% increase in prize money to US$ 1,000,000. The main sponsor of the Iskandar Johor Open is the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA). It is also supported by platinum sponsor - UEM Land Berhad, the master developer of Nusajaya which is a key driver of Iskandar Malaysia. Other co-sponsors include Iskandar Waterfront Development and UM Land. Official partners are TaylorMade Adidas Golf, 100 Plus, Srixon, Winston Wine, Dewars, Ricoh and the Puteri Pacific Hotel.
IJO 2009 will once again be broadcast live over ESPN STAR Sports, reaching out to over 120 million homes around the world.
