Harrington plans title raid at Iskandar Johor Open
Johor Bahru, October 13, 2010 - Ryder Cup star Padraig Harrington aims to secure a winning debut at the US$1.25 million Iskandar Johor Open to end a frustrating two-year winless run.
The Irishman has not tasted victory since lifting his third Major at the PGA Championship in 2008 but with the euphoria of winning the Ryder Cup two weeks ago still running high, he intends to shine at the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club.
Harrington will face a top field starting tomorrow as the Asian Tour event includes title holder K.J. Choi of Korea, 2008 winner Retief Goosen of South Africa, Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie of Scotland, current Order of Merit leader Noh Seung-yul of Korea and Malaysia’s Danny Chia.
“I’ve had plenty of top-10s but I haven’t won a tournament and it is all about winning tournaments. I’ve got about five more events (this year) and I’m anxious to get at least a win which will make my Christmas better,” said Harrington today.
The world number 22, who has won 22 titles around the world including in Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, said he needs to preserve his energy if he is to sparkle in the humidity in Malaysia.
“There is definitely a euphoric feeling after you win and you definitely carry that through. But also from having such a high, there is a little low afterwards … certainly physically and mentally I was very tired last week (playing the Alfred Dunhill Links).
“The key to doing well is to make sure I don’t over do it in the heat. I like what I see. The course is very good, the greens are immaculate. In the 14 years coming over for the co-sanctioned events, the Asian Tour has really grown. There is no discernable difference between the co-sanctioned events and no discernable difference between a European Tour event. Everything about it looks like it’s going to be a world-class event,” he said.
Goosen, a double US Open champion, has put together an impressive season with 11 top-10s around the world and the only thing missing is a victory. But he knows he must battle hard if he is to repeat his 2008 success at the Iskandar Johor Open. Last year, he finished tied third.
“It doesn’t matter where you play these days … you have to play your best golf. The trophy is not going to get handed to you. This week, you have to grind it out,” said the cool South African who is nicknamed “The Goose.”
“It’ll be nice to get on a roll. I’ve been playing consistent and my putting has been consistent. If I can hit the ball a little better, I’ve got a chance to win.”
He praised organisers of the Iskandar Johor Open for its rapid growth where it started as a US$300,000 event in 2007. “The main thing is the prize money, it keeps going up,” said the 41-year-old. “You come here for another five years, we could be playing for seven million dollars!”
Title holder Choi, an Asian Tour honorary member, will have some good form to back up his bid for a repeat victory. He finished seventh and third in his last two events on the PGA Tour last month and was second in a domestic Korean event two weeks ago.
“It’s very important to defend on the Asian Tour. Two years ago, I won the Shinhan Donghae Open back to back (on the Korean Tour). I would like to do this for the first time at the Iskandar Johor Open. I feel like this is my second home. I have good support here,” said the powerful Korean.
After enjoying the “greatest moment of my golf career,” Montgomerie, Europe’s number one on eight occasions, is looking forward to a first trip to the Iskandar Johor Open.
“We’ve got a good field here and I’m looking forward to playing again in Asia. I’ve got a good record here actually despite how warm it is here. I feel I can get back into the world’s top-50. That’s the first goal. I really want to try to play in the Ryder Cup again as well,” said Montgomerie, who has won titles in Singapore, Macau and China.
“I need to get the confidence back. I’m not confident on the course right now. That comes from 66s and 67s. If I start with a 67 tomorrow, that’s the first rung in a very long ladder.”
Malaysia’s Chia feels confident lining up alongside the stars of the game. “It’s always nice to get stars to Malaysia as it gives us a good opportunity to play with them and learn from them. I had a back injury two months ago and it’s becoming better and I’m starting to play better. I’m looking forward to the week,” he said.
The main sponsor of the Iskandar Johor Open is the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA). It is also supported by platinum sponsor - UEM Land Holdings Berhad, the master developer of Nusajaya which is a key driver of Iskandar Malaysia and hosted by the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club. Other co-sponsors include 100 Plus, Auto Bavaria Johor Bahru, Blackberry, Heineken, Kuok Brothers Sdn. Bhd, Pulai Springs Resort, Ricoh, Srixon, TaylorMade-adidas Golf, Telekom Malaysia, Titoni and Winston Wine. The official media partners are Fairways, Golf Malaysia and ParGolf. The tournament is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Johor Golf Association.
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.
For Media Enquiries, please contact:
IRDA:
Balbeer Singh Jessy
Mobile: +607 218 3000
Email: balbeer@irda.com.my
