Three of Europe's finest golfers – the Irish duo of Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley and Scotland's Colin Montgomerie - will challenge for honours in one of Asia's premier events this year when they compete in the Carlsberg Malaysian Open.
The trio are the first marquee names to be announced for the Carlsberg Malaysian Open 2004, which will be played at Saujana Golf and Country Club from February 19-22.
With prize money of US$1.21 million, the championship is Asia's richest national Open and will be joint-sanctioned by the The European Tour and Asian PGA Tour for the fifth successive year.
Harrington has enjoyed considerable success in Asia having launched both the 2003 and 2004 European Tour International Schedules with victories in the BMW Asian Open and, last December, the Omega Hong Kong Open. The Irishman also has a formidable record in the Carlsberg Malaysian Open having finished second twice and fourth once.
McGinley will always be remembered as the man who holed the winning putt in The 34th Ryder Cup Matches at The De Vere Belfry. His ten foot putt on the 18th green secured a half with Jim Furyk and with it the famous trophy for Sam Torrance's Team. A three-time winner on The European Tour McGinley has been a regular visitor to Malaysia during his illustrious career.
Montgomerie, who won the Volvo Order of Merit title seven years in succession from 1993, has also enjoyed the taste of victory in the Far East having twice triumphed in China, following his win in the 2002 TCL Classic with victory in the Macau Open last October. He will be competing in the Carlsberg Malaysian Open for the first time.
"It will be a privilege for Carlsberg to welcome Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Colin Montgomerie to this year's Carlsberg Malaysian Open," said Bjorn Sondenskov, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad, Managing Director.
The Carlsberg Malaysian Open has a tradition of attracting world class players. Fijian Vijay Singh, has won the event twice, while England's Lee Westwood also has his name inscribed on the trophy. Last year India's Arjun Atwal took top spot ahead of South Africa's Retief Goosen.
"We recently announced an US$110,000 increase in prizemoney for the Carlsberg Malaysian Open and to be able to follow that up by confirming the participation of three outstanding players gives us a great deal of pleasure," added Sondenskov.
"A world class field will once again be ensured for the Carlsberg Malaysian Open with presence of Montgomerie, Harrington and McGinley. They will be a wonderful addition to what will be our 44th national Open," said Thomas Lee, President of the Malaysian Golf Association.
Carlsberg began their title sponsorship of the Carlsberg Malaysian Open in 2001 and through their support the tournament has consolidated its position as one of the premier events in the region.
