Kaymer, Schwartzel to tee off in Malaysia
Germany's Martin Kaymer and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa will lead the field at the $2.5 million Maybank Malaysian Open in April, organisers said on Tuesday.
Kaymer, world No 4 and 2010 US PGA Championship winner, and ninth-ranked Schwartzel are among the players who will tee off from April 12 to 15 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
"We are thrilled to welcome back Martin Kaymer to the Maybank Malaysian Open," Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohamad Nor, Maybank chairman said.
"He was definitely a gallery favourite last year and is a proven winner, and I believe that the spectators will be delighted once again to witness the German's stellar long game and nifty touches around the greens," he added.
Megat said the presence of Schwartzel was also a boost for the tournament since "his technically solid golf swing" makes him a great player to watch.
The Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, will host the tournament for the fourth time in its history.
The challenging West course, with multiple dogleg fairways and demanding multi-tiered greens will be primed once again for the onslaught of the professionals.
The tournament, jointly sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours, is regarded as a breeding ground for young guns aiming to lay their mark against experienced professionals.
The premier event has produced young and exciting winners in the form of Korean sensation Noh Seung-yul in 2010 and Matteo Manassero of Italy last year.
Asian Tour players have traditionally played well in Malaysia with the likes of Thongchai Jaidee, Charlie Wi and Arjun Atwal prospering.