Europe's 2014 Ryder Cup Players To Play In 2015 Maybank Malaysian Open

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- Team Europe's 2014 Ryder Cup players, Graeme McDowell and team captain, Paul McGinley have confirmed their participation for the prestigious Maybank Malaysian Open (MMO), scheduled from Feb 5-8, at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).

McDowell and McGingley, who helped Team Europe win this year's Ryder Cup, will join a stellar cast of 156 players from the Asian Tour and European Tour. The announcement of their participation was made by Maybank chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor during a press conference at the KLGCC in Bukit Kiara, here today.

"Next year (2015), as we celebrate the 10th year as title sponsor of the Malaysian Open, we continue with the tradition of bringing a selection of golfing personalities to Malaysia. "McDowell and McGinley, fresh from recent victories have the charisma to attract huge worldwide following as they consistently display high standards of sportsmanship, integrity and grit, offering fans exciting and competitive golf every time," said Megat Zaharuddin.

Meanwhile, McDowell in a recorded interview, noted that he looked forward to playing in Malaysia after a few years. "I've heard so many great things about the Maybank Malaysian Open. It has been a few years since I've had the chance to get back to playing this event.

"I've played it a few times back in my early days on the European Tour and it is great to have the chance to go back to a real authentic world-class global event like the Maybank Malaysian Open," said McDowell.

As for McGinley, he needs little introduction to local golf fans after his iconic leadership, leading Team Europe to the 2014 Ryder Cup victory in Gleneagles, Scotland, last month. With nine worldwide victories to his name, including four on the European Tour, McGinley will bring his personal charisma and tireless work ethics to the fore at the KLGCC West Course.

"I was there (in Kuala Lumpur) for the Eurasia Cup last year. I always enjoy going back, always a challenge. It's a city and a vibe that I enjoy being in and I'm looking forward to seeing it again this year," said McGinley.

Over the decades, the premier event has seen the likes of Peter Thomson, Vijay Singh, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, Michael Campbell, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Sir Nick Faldo stamping their mark in the competition.

The event also produced young and exciting winners in the form of South Korean sensation Noh Seung-yul (2010) and Matteo Manassero of Italy (2012).

The competition which enters its 54th edition next year offers total prize money of US$3 million (about RM10.35 million).
-bernama.