JOHOR BAHRU (Monday, 15th June 2009): Iskandar Johor Open will return to the greens of the Royal Johor Country Club (RJCC). The marquee event, now in its third year will be staged from October 22 – 25, 2009.

The IJO, which is into its third year this year, is one of the biggest golf tournaments in Malaysia. The prize money for Iskandar Johor Open will double in 2009 to the tune of US$ 1,000,000 (RM 3.65 million) – a significant increase from the US$ 500,000 in 2008 and the US$300,000 inaugural tournament in 2007.

The championship, which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Malaysian Golf Association, is supported by the Johor Government and Iskandar Regional Development Authority.

The increase in prize money reflects the government commitment to further expand and grow the golf industry and promote golf tourism in the state. Johor boasts the most number of golf courses in the country!

Last year, the event attracted a stellar list of players’ line up including World No: 26, South African, Retief Goosen who won the coveted trophy. Joining him last year were other notable players like Niclas Fasth, Thongchai Jaidee and a host of local pros like Airil Rizman and Ben Leong.

The organizing committee expects the event to attract similar field of outstanding players from the Asian Tour as well as European Tour. Iskandar Johor Open has established itself as a reputable event among the players with the challenging golf course and the famous Malaysian hospitality.

A maximum total of 156 players from throughout the Asia Pacific and beyond would make up the starting field this year, including 114 members from the Asian Tour and 30 Malaysian professionals, top amateurs and sponsor invites.

Secretary of the IJO organizing committee, Encik Majid Manjit Abdullah, says "Iskandar Johor Open provides an excellent avenue for corporate sponsors to showcase their products and services to a targeted market segment. The event will also boost golf tourism in Johor which will benefit the state greatly. Johor recently played host to the 2009 Junior Hockey World Cup and by staging the Iskandar Johor Open, Johor hopes to become the next sports hub for Malaysia”  

“We are also confident that the international TV exposure which we will be getting through Asian Tour TV partners - ESPN STAR Sports, will help sell Johor to the world.”

Encik Harun Haji Johari, CEO IRDA added “The laudable success from the previous years’ championship had garnered extensive media coverage internationally thus positioning Iskandar Malaysia as one of the top golfing destinations in the region. I am confident that with a larger participation from top golfing names this year, coupled with attractive prizes, improved facilities and event organisation, this year’s event would turn out to be the best one yet. We are proud to be the sponsors of such a prestigious event.”

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded the return of the Iskandar Johor Open and the increase in prize money.

“The increased in prize money is a significant boost for professional golf in the region. The year on year increase to the million-dollar prize fund on offer clearly demonstrates the commitment and value that sponsors enjoy on the Asian Tour,” he said

The Iskandar Johor Open will be played over 72 holes (four rounds) of stroke play at the RJCC. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the leading 65 players plus ties.

Admission to the event is free.

News and updates on the tournament will be available on the IJO official website – www.iskandarjohoropen.com.

Event Details:
Event:  Iskandar Johor Open 2009
Venue: Royal Johor Country Club
Dates:  22 Oct – 25 Oct 2009

Past Winners:
2007:   Artemio Murakami
2008:   Retief Goosen