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The Brunei Open will make its return onto the Asian Tour Schedule from August 21 to 24 with defending champion Lin Wen-tang of Chinese Taipei leading an array of stars to the sultanate. The US$300,000 Championship will be held once again at the highly acclaimed Empire Hotel and Country Club, voted by the players as the ‘Host Venue of the Year’ three years ago.
Since its inauguration in 2005, the Brunei Open has attracted many of Asia’s top players including the likes of Chinese star Liang Wen-Chong, winner of the 2007 Asian Tour’s Order of Merit, and Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, holder of the most titles in the region.
Organizers are anticipating another strong turnout of stars next month with the talented Lin, already a winner on the Asian Tour this year, attempting to become the first man to win back-to-back Brunei Open titles.
Brunei Shell Petroleum will title sponsor the Brunei Open for the second successive year where it was also a main sponsor during the inaugural event. Brunei Tourism, under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, The Empire Hotel and Country Club, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Brunei Darussalam Golf Association are extending their support towards the championship once again together with Cross Creek and Asian Tour partner Srixon.
Profitable Group, an international company which encompasses a range of activities from the highly commercial to the philanthropic, will for the first time to be the presenting sponsor for the Br
Brunei Shell Managing Director Dr. Grahaeme Henderson said: “Brunei Shell Petroleum’s participation in this event is an extension of our social commitment to provide strong support to the Government’s economic diversification programme, where the tourism sector has been earmarked as playing an important role. Both as the premier energy company and leading private corporation in the country, Brunei Shell Petroleum will continue to provide strong support for the Government’s efforts in this area.”
“Besides contributing towards, tourism marketing and promotional activities, we also support the Government on its parallel efforts to upgrade tourism infrastructure and develop tourist attractions.”
Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and head of Brunei Tourism Board Dato Hamdillah A. H. Wahab said: “When we initiated the Brunei Open back in 2005, we believed that it would become a major event on the Asian Tour and we are delighted that this dream has become a reality.”
“Through the support from the corporate sector, the stature of the Brunei Open has grown immensely and the event has received tremendous media coverage across Asia and internationally. Last year, we welcomed the first professional player from Brunei who competed in the event and it remains our ambition to produce a local winner of the Brunei Open.”
Australian Terry Pilkadaris enjoyed the honor of becoming the first Brunei Open champion in 2005 and he was succeeded by Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang, who defeated David Gleeson of Australian in a play-off. Wang’s compatriot, Lin ensured the trophy remained in Taipei for a second year with a magnificent triumph nearly 12 months ago.
Tim Goldring, Group Managing Director of Profitable Group said the company which has been involved with sports sponsorship globally, was pleased to support the Brunei Open. “Although it is still very much in its infancy, the Brunei Open has become a truly international golf tournament on the Asian Tour. We fully support the initiative to stage the Brunei Open as it will stimulate the growth of the game in Brunei. This is the first time that our group has been involved with professional golf in Asia and we believe that it fits perfectly with our brand objectives.”
Dato Paduka Hj Yakub bin Ahmad, President Brunei Darussalam Golf Association, said the Brunei Open’s association with the Asian Tour has benefited golf in the country. “The popularity of the game of golf has increased over the years and it’s very much due to the Brunei Open. Over the past three years, we have enjoyed the privilege of witnessing world-class golf and it has created a big impact amongst our golfers, especially the juniors.”
The Empire Hotel and Country Club, a signature course of Jack Nicklaus, offers many breathtaking views and with its immaculate course conditions, the Brunei Open has become one of the most popular events amongst the Asian Tour stars.
Asian Tour Director of Events Development Htwe Hla Han said: “On behalf of our talented players, I would like to extend our appreciation to Brunei Shell Petroleum, Brunei Tourism, Profitable Group and Brunei Darussalam Golf Association who have played major roles in the success of the Brunei Open.
“The Asian Tour will stage a record 29 tournaments with over US$38 million in total prize money this year and it is only through the continued success of top events like the Brunei Open that we are able to sustain our growth and create playing opportunities for Asia’s talented players.”
The Empire Hotel and Country Club General Manager Manfred Keiler said the club was looking forward to the fourth edition of the Brunei Open: “Our championship course has witnessed many great battles in the Brunei Open and I’m sure spectators and television viewers will be treated to another world-class golf tournament.
“We are excited to host the Brunei Open once again and believe that this championship will continue to create a buzz for young Bruneians to learn and master the game of golf and also increase sports tourism through the popular game of golf,” added Sheikh Jamaluddin bin Sheikh Mohamed, Director of the Brunei Tourism Development Department and Chairman of the Brunei Open Organizing Committee”.
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