KUALA LUMPUR: The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, the world's most prestigious women's golf circuit, will make a welcome return to Malaysia from Oct 26-29 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) here after a lapse of five years with Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) as the new title sponsor.
Retaining the name of Maybank Championship, the now-defunct men's event jointly sanctioned by the European Tour and Asian Tour from 2016-2019, the tournament will make its mark on the LPGA Tour, this time, as the richest-ever meet in Asia with a lucrative US$3 million (RM13.2 million) prize fund and US$450,000 jackpot set aside for the winner.
That's US$1.2 million higher than what was previously offered by Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia for its last edition in 2017. Then winner Christie Kerr of the United States took home US$270,000.
At the peak of the eight years running of Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia from 2010, the highest purse up for grabs was US$2 million in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
The Maybank Championship will form part of the four-tournament Asian Swing, also comprising the Buick LPGA Shanghai in China (Oct 12-15), BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea (Oct 19-22) and the Toto Japan Classic in Japan (Nov 2-5).
With substantial prize money on offer, the tournament is expected to attract a stellar 78-woman field, with a majority of the world's top 50 golfers expected to turn up.
Of the 78 spots, 10 are reserved for Malaysian and Asean players through sponsors' exemption in the no-cut event.
The return of an LPGA Tour to Malaysia is timely as many promising Malaysian professionals are bidding to rise through the ranks to join Kelly Tan, the nation's representative on the LPGA Tour. Among them are Natasha Andrea Oon, Alyaa Abdulghany and Ashley Lau, who are plying their trade on the Epson Tour, the feeder circuit of the LPGA Tour.
There are also highly-rated US-based amateurs, such as Jeneath Wong, Mirabel Ting, Audrey Tan and Liyana Durisic, who all could benefit from playing in the event.
Being a long-time supporter of golf since they title-sponsored Malaysia Open from 2006-2015, Maybank group president and chief executive officer Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli is delighted to carry their legacy into women's golf.
"Over the years, the Maybank Championship has successfully achieved its main intent of elevating Asean on a global stage in sports. Now, we see that the way forward is to champion inclusivity of the sport in the region," said Khairussaleh.
"With the LPGA, we have found a partner that is committed to ensuring that golf courses are an equitable place for everyone, and we are proud to stand alongside this association in realising their vision to help grow the women's game and provide equal opportunities for girls and women of all ages."
LPGA Commissioner Millie Marcous Samaan was thrilled to have Malaysia return as one of its Asian leg.
"The LPGA is excited to bring women's professional golf back to Malaysia for the first time in six years," she said.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who officiated at the launch, commended the involved parties for supporting women's sports and providing opportunities for Malaysians at the highest level.
"Together, we can reduce the gender gap between athletes in our nation and spotlight some of the most remarkable talents in the sport."
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
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