Johor Bahru, July 25, 2011: The fifth edition of the prestigious Iskandar Johor Open (IJO) promises to be the best yet with a new co-sanctioning arrangement between European and Asian Tours and a massive increase in the total prize money to more than RM6 million.
Since its inception in 2007, the Iskandar Johor Open has been a full-field Asian Tour event but beginning this year, the much-awaited championship will be joint-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours ensuring the strongest 156-player field in the tournament’s five-year history.
Reigning champion, Padraig Harrington of Ireland is among the top European Tour players expected to headline the stellar line-up of stars in the championship which, for the second consecutive year, will be hosted by Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club.
“The Iskandar Johor Open has been an astounding success over the past few years and naturally, it fuels further growth for the championship as it rises to prominence,” said Chairman of the IJO organising committee and Menteri Besar of Johor, Y.A.B Dato’ Haji Abdul Ghani bin Othman.
“It’s certainly great news that Harrington will be defending his title and his presence is a fitting testament to the prestige of the championship. I’m sure more top players will be announced in the coming months as preparation goes full steam ahead,” he added.
When Harrington snapped his two-year winless streak at the Iskandar Johor Open last year, his popular victory came with US$198,125 reward from a total purse of US$1.25 million. This year, the championship offers a 60% increase in prize money to a handsome US$2 million (approximately RM6.014 million) with the champion cashing in a cool US$317,000 (approximately RM954,000).
In the first edition in 2007, Filipino Artemio Murakami etched his name on the trophy as the inaugural champion and took home US$47,750 winner’s cheque. A year later, South African star Retief Goosen ended a frustrating 21-month title drought with a magnificent two-stroke victory and earned US$79,250.
In 2009, it was KJ Choi’s turn to rejuvenate his career with an uplifting effort to stay hot in a wet and cold week. The philanthropic Korean star won the weather interrupted event on 20-under-par 196 to cash in US$158,500, a portion of which he donated to various Johor-based charities.
Besides steady growth in total purse over the years, the championship has also seen improved player fields. In last year’s edition for instance, the championship featured a truly international field consisting of players from 24 countries from as far as Brazil, Mexico and Zimbabwe.
“From a modest purse of US$300,000 in its first edition in 2007 to US$2 million this year, it is satisfying to note that in five short years, the Iskandar Johor Open has reached such dizzying heights. We have seen the likes of established stars such as Sweden’s Niclas Fasth, multiple major winners in Retief Goosen and Harrington, Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie and Korean superstar KJ Choi play in the Iskandar Johor Open and I believe this year will boast an even better playing field with the support of the European Tour,” added the Menteri Besar.
One of the benefits of being co-sanctioned by the European Tour is the event’s inclusion as part of the Tour’s season-long The Race to Dubai competition, which spans a minimum of 50 tournaments on the European Tour International Schedule this year.
The top 60 players on The Race to Dubai ranking will qualify for the Dubai World Championship and the winner of The Race to Dubai competition will receive US$1.5 million from the US$7.5 million bonus pool and a seven-year European Tour exemption.
The Iskandar Johor Open’s elevated status also comes with a change in dates to accommodate the calendar of both Tours, which means the championship has moved from its traditional October slot to November 17-20, 2011.
“Co-sanctioning by the European and Asian Tours, more lucrative prize money on offer and new dates will definitely draw the world’s top players to Johor this November. Undeniably we are thrilled with these developments and I’m sure local golf fans will be delighted with the opportunity to watch an exciting line-up of top professionals challenging for the Iskandar Johor Open title,” added the Menteri Besar.
It is estimated that 400 million people in over 40 countries around the world watched the championship last year. With an added platform, provided by the European Tour, the Iskandar Johor Open will reach a larger audience this year, offering greater visibility to Iskandar Malaysia as a major holiday and recreation destination.”
Horizon Hill’s 6,271-metre, par-72 championship layout proved a popular venue last year. The sprawling 18-hole international championship golf course designed by renowned architect, Ross Watson, earned rave reviews from the players with Harrington describing it as a “very good course with immaculate greens”. The Irishman went on to shoot 20-under-par 268 to win by three strokes.
“Hosting the Iskandar Johor Open last year was a great experience for us all at Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club. We look forward to welcoming the world class players to our club for another fabulous week this year and with experience, we are determined to make it an even better show,” said Tang Meng Loon, General Manager of Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club.
Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman, Asian Tour said: “On behalf of our members, I would like to put on record our deepest appreciation to the State Government of Johor and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority for their tremendous support and commitment to the growth of professional golf in Asia. Certainly, the massive increase in prize fund will further cement Iskandar Johor Open’s status as one of the biggest and most important tournaments on the Asian Tour calendar. We look forward to another exciting week of top quality golf this November.”
Meanwhile, Grant Slack, Vice President of Golf Division, IMG commented: “It’s heartwarming to be a witness to Iskandar Johor Open’s steady rise in prominence. Being included in the European Tour International Schedule means the championship will now reach a far greater audience than before, further enhancing the status of Malaysia generally and specifically Johor as a preferred golfing destination.”
For more information on the tournament please visit - www.iskandarjohoropen.com.
