Colin Montgomerie, Henrik Stenson and Thongchai Jaidee confirmed for Iskandar Johor Open 2011
Johor Bahru, October 24, 2011 - The international field for the US$2 million Iskandar Johor Open 2011 is further boosted with the confirmation of three more world-class players, the organizer announced today.
European Tour stalwart, Colin Montgomerie will be competing in the Asian and European Tours co-sanctioned championship for the second time. Popularly known by his nickname Monty, the Scot is one of the most decorated players on the European Tour. His record as the Tour’s number one player for eight times in his career, including in seven successive seasons from 1993 to 1999, is second to none.
With 31 professional victories in a career spanning over 20 years, Monty is easily one of the world’s most successful golfers. His competitiveness also made him a Ryder Cup legend, where he is undefeated in eight singles matches and his record of seven points from singles after six wins and two halves, equals the Ryder Cup record, as does his tally of six wins.
Last year, the Scot arrived on the back of a successful week as captain of the victorious Europe’s Ryder Cup team and he went on to finish joint 11th, ten strokes behind the champion, Padraig Harrington.
“I had a good week at the Iskandar Johor Open last year. I enjoyed the place, the golf course and the competition,” said Montgomerie. “It will be great to come back to Johor again this year. I believe this time around the competition will be even tougher but I’m looking forward to it and hopefully I will have a better week this November.”
Like Monty, Sweden’s Henrik Stenson is also looking forward to the Iskandar Johor Open. A six-time winner on the European Tour and a two-time winner on the US PGA Tour - Stenson, who splits his playing time on both Tours is having a quiet season so far, with only a single top-ten finish to his name.
However, you can never discount the Swede from conjuring a proverbial magical week this November as he has the knack of pulling off the surprises as evident with his victory at THE PLAYERS Championship in 2009.
At the TPC Sawgrass, Stenson started the final day five strokes in deficit but fired a flawless six-under-par 66 final round, where he only missed one fairway to claim a remarkable four-stroke victory over Ian Poulter.
“I’ve never been to Johor but I’ve heard good reviews and talks about the place, as well as the championship. I’m sure it will be fun and I’m looking forward to teeing-up against a strong field at the Iskandar Johor Open next month,” Stenson said.
Rounding up the star players for the fifth edition of the Iskandar Johor Open is Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee. The former paratrooper turned professional golfer has 13 Asian Tour wins and is no stranger to local golf fans. Thongchai has won twice in Malaysia since turning professional in 1999.
When Thongchai won the first of his two Malaysian Open titles in 2004, he became the first Thai player to win a co-sanctioned event, earning him a card on the European Tour where he primarily plies his trade nowadays.
“I’ve only played in the Iskandar Johor Open once in 2008 (where he finished tied ninth) and I would love to compete again this year. The championship has truly grown over the years to become a leading event both on the Asian and European Tours,” said Thongchai.
“I’ve good memories playing in Kuala Lumpur, winning twice and it will be nice if I can also win in Johor. It won’t be easy as there are many good players at the Iskandar Johor Open but I’ll give my best shot this November,” he added.
The fifth edition of the prestigious Iskandar Johor Open will be played from November 17 to 20 at Horizon Hills Golf & country club. Apart from Montgomerie, Stenson and Thongchai, top players - defending champion Padraig Harrington from Ireland, Colombia’s Camilo Villegas and American, Anthony Kim, will headline the world-class field.
The Iskandar Johor Open 2011 will boast a field of 156 players consisting of 67 players each from the Asian and European Tours, eight invites, eight national qualifiers and six international qualifiers, all vying for the top purse of US$317,000 (approximately RM954, 000).
About The Iskandar Johor Open
The Iskandar Johor Open is one of the fastest-growing tournaments on the Asian Tour, and has attracted some of the best golfers in the world. The event was successfully staged at the Royal Johor Country Club for the first three years, and at Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club in 2010.
It returns to Johor for the fifth time at Horizon Hills, where once again golf fans will be able to witness yet another exciting golf tournament which is staking its claim as one of the top events on the Asian Tour calendar. It reaches a new level on the international golf schedule with its elevation to a co-sanctioned tournament with the Asian and European Tours for 2011.
Iskandar Malaysia and Johor Golf Association are continuing with their support of this event, and have created the biggest international event in Johor. Since the inaugural event in 2007, the prize money for the tournament has increased by five-fold from US$300,000 in 2007 to US$1,250,000 in 2010. In 2011, the prize money will grow to a minimum of US$2,000,000.
Past winners include Artemio Murakami of the Philippines, who won the inaugural event in 2007, and South African Retief Goosen, who took home the prestigious prize in 2008. KJ Choi lifted the coveted trophy in 2009, and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington ended a two-year winless run in 2010 with a very popular win.
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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 Rolex (Official Timekeeper), J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Royal Selangor (Official Trophy Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), BlackBerry (Official Mobile) and Srixon (Official Ball). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
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