KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) is working with the Asian Tour to get recognition for the Malaysian Open as a qualifying tournament for the prestigious British Open Championships (The Open).
The Open is one of the world’s four major men’s golf tournaments, having been founded in 1860.
The 152nd edition of The Open is slated to take place at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland from July 18 to 21.
MGA President Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor expressed optimism that obtaining qualifying status would significantly elevate the Malaysian Open’s importance, making it a highly sought-after tournament for top professional players globally.
He added that MGA has officially applied to The Open’s organiser, the Royal & Ancient (R&A) Golf Club of St Andrews in the United Kingdom, seeking qualifier status.
If approved, the Malaysian Open could attract top golfers, as the top two or three players confirmed by R&A would then qualify for The Open.
“It will be good for the Malaysian Open if Royal and Ancient (R&A) confirms the top two or three golfers to qualify for the Major. I’m sure many top golfers will come and play at this tournament.
“The Asian Tour commissioner, Cho Minn Thant, is expected to make the official announcement upon receiving confirmation from R&A,” he told reporters after a press conference announcing the new title sponsors of the Malaysian Open today.
At the same event, property development company IRS Prima Holding Sdn Bhd secured the title sponsorship for the Malaysian Open, solidifying a three-year deal from 2024 to 2026.
However, the exact sponsorship value remains undisclosed.
After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Malaysian Open is set to return in 2024, hosted by the Mines Resort & Golf Club from February 15 to 18, with a substantial prize purse of US$1 million (RM4.6 million).
The tournament will feature 18 of Malaysia’s best golfers, including four top local amateurs, competing against international golfing talents in the Asian Tour’s opening event for the year.
Renowned for its rich history of attracting top-tier players, the Malaysian Open has seen past champions such as England’s Lee Westwood, India’s Anirban Lahiri, South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and Fiji’s Vijay Singh. – December 28, 2023