Horizon Hills set to host ‘The Tank’ and ‘The Goose’
showdown at more lucrative Iskandar Johor Open
Johor Bahru, August 12, 2010 - Reigning champion K.J. Choi of Korea, affectionately dubbed “The Tank” for his solid built, has confirmed his title defence at the Iskandar Johor Open (IJO) this year.
The championship, scheduled from October 14 to 17, 2010, promises an exciting showdown between its previous two winners as 2008 champion Retief Goosen of South Africa, widely nicknamed “The Goose”, has also confirmed his participation, with an eye on going one-up on Choi by becoming the first player to win the title twice.
“It is great news that K.J. Choi and Retief Goosen, the previous two champions have confirmed they will make the trip to Johor once again for the Iskandar Johor Open,” said Chairman of the IJO organising committee and Menteri Besar of Johor, Y.A.B Dato’ Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman.
“We are excited with the prospect of another nail-biting edition of IJO and I’m sure local golf fans will be delighted to welcome these two big names to our shores this coming October,” he added.
While the two leading protagonists rekindle their rivalry for another year in the Asian Tour full field event, they will pitch their battle at a new ground and for a bigger prize pot. Officials also announced today the spectacular Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club as the venue for the Iskandar Johor Open 2010 while the championship’s total purse has been increased to US$1.25 million (approximately RM4 million) from US$1 million previously.
The 6,271-metre, par-72 championship layout designed by renowned architect, Ross Watson, is regarded as one of the golfing gems in Johor. Built at a cost of RM30 million, the sprawling 18-hole international championship golf course was officially opened in 2008 and the Iskandar Johor Open will be the first professional golf championship hosted by the club.
“One of the objectives of this event is to showcase the best of golf that the state of Johor has to offer and I’m delighted that Horizon Hills, considered as one of the best new golf courses not only in Johor, but also in Malaysia, has been selected as the venue of this year’s championship.
“I’m sure the players will enjoy the challenge of the layout while golf fans the world over will get to watch high quality golf being contested at a wonderful layout,” added the Menteri Besar.
Meanwhile, the 25% increase in the total prize money means the professional field at the IJO this October will be vying for the winner’s cheque of US$198,125 (approximately RM634,000), which certainly represents a healthy growth of the championship from its initial purse of US$300,000 in 2007.
“The Iskandar Johor Open has certainly grown into one of the biggest championships in Malaysia as well as on the Asian Tour. From a modest start three years ago, the championship has seen a steady rise in its prize money to US$1.25 million this year. This is a clear indication of the tremendous commitment of the State Government and the title sponsor in ensuring the continued success of the IJO in the years to come,” added the Menteri Besar.
These three new announcements are welcome additions to the earlier announcement confirming the commitment of Title Sponsor, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), the main statutory body tasked with developing Iskandar Malaysia, the southern development corridor.
“When we decided to extend our commitment to the championship, we recognised its potential as an increasingly international platform to project Iskandar Malaysia’s image on the world golfing and lifestyle map.
“With the championship being hosted at one of the premier golf facilities in the region, it will further boost the profile of Iskandar Malaysia as a major holiday and recreation destination as well as a golfers’ paradise with 28 golf courses in the state,” said IRDA Chief Executive Ismail Ibrahim.
“This is also in line with our vision to make Iskandar Malaysia A Strong and Sustainable Metropolis of International Standing,” he added.
Typical of Ross Watson’s creation, Horizon Hills is a risk and reward affair, where numerous shimmering, glistening clear lakes and streams dot the valley, daring the braves to attempt heroics with premium rewards. Many of the holes feature dramatic changes in elevation from tee to green and this natural landscape is enhanced with the preservation of the natural terrain plus a network of waterways.
“On behalf of Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, we are looking forward to welcoming the players to our golf club for the Iskandar Johor Open. Obviously, we are excited at the prospect of hosting world class players such as K.J. Choi and Retief Goosen at our club. Although we are new in the golf scene and will be hosting our first professional championship, we are determined to make sure that no stones are left unturned to ensure the success of the IJO,” said Mr Tang Meng Loon, General Manager of Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club.
The Iskandar Johor Open has consistently attracted the cream of Malaysian professional golf such as Danny Chia, S. Sivachandran, Iain Steel, Ben Leong and Airil Rizman as well as top Asian Tour stars including the likes of Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat of Thailand and reigning Maybank Malaysian Open champion Noh Seung-yul of Korea.
Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the official regional sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia and the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia, the IJO offers one of the biggest prize purses on the Asian Tour calendar.
“The Asian Tour would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Government of Johor and Iskandar Regional Development Authority for their continued support of professional golf in Asia. We laud the substantial increase in prize fund which cements the Iskandar Johor Open as one of the most lucrative and important tournaments on the Asian Tour calendar.
“The Iskandar Johor Open has grown immensely in stature since its inception in 2007 and we look forward to another successful edition, especially when we will be visiting a new golf course in October. Horizon Hills has received rave reviews since its opening and I’m sure the venue will contribute greatly to another memorable week of golf for fans and television viewers,” said Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour.
Grant Slack, Vice President of the Golf Division, IMG commented: “The Iskandar Johor Open is well and truly on its way to becoming one of the most important golf championship in Malaysia and in this region. For this year’s edition, it is estimated that the championship will be watched by 400 million people in over 40 countries around the world, effectively cementing Johor and Malaysia on the international golf map.”
The Iskandar Johor Open
The inaugural edition of the Iskandar Johor Open kicked off in August 2007. Held at the Johor Country Club (RJCC) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, it carried a prize purse of USD$300,000 and the honour of hoisting the trophy for the first time fell to Artemio Murakami of the Philippines. In October 2008, the championship offered an improved purse of USD$500,000 and South African Retief Goosen went on to clinch the coveted trophy at RJCC. 2009 marked a milestone in the history of the Iskandar Johor Open, with a 100% increase in prize money to USD$1,000,000, certainly pointing to the tournament’s growing stature. It was won by Korean K.J. Choi, who triumphed over rising Indian star Himmat Rai and defending champion Retief Goosen.
Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA)
Iskandar Malaysia is set to become Southern Peninsular Malaysia's most developed region, where living, entertainment, environment and business seamlessly converge within a bustling and vibrant metropolis. The Iskandar Regional Development Authority is the statutory body tasked with realizing the vision of developing Iskandar Malaysia.
IMG Sports & Entertainment
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment’s diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.
More information about IMG is available at www.imgworld.com.
The Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Royal Selangor (Official Trophy Supplier) and Srixon (Official Ball). Sentosa, Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, is the Home of the Asian Tour.
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