Malaysia has long been recognized as a land full of ancient culture, alluring wonders, and amazing cuisine. In fact, it is said that most everything under the sun can be experienced in Malaysia. Now, the nation is vying for one more compelling activity to add to its long list of reasons to visit: Golf.

The country made history recently when both the PGA TOUR and LPGA announced tournaments would be held in Malaysia. "This is indeed very exciting for the PGA TOUR to be able to venture into Southeast Asia, an opportunity made possible through the commitment shown by the Malaysian government, the organizational capabilities of Carbon Worldwide and PGA Promotions of Malaysia, and access to a world-class golf facility in The Mines Resort & Golf Club. Southeast Asia has great potential for burgeoning growth in golf, and we are extremely pleased to take this significant first step into the marketplace," said PGA TOUR vice president of Business Development, Matthew Rapp.


Malaysia has an incredible array of golf courses spread throughout the country, from city landscapes surrounded with gleaming skyscrapers to lush jungles — monkeys and exotic birds included. Many of these beautiful courses were created by world-renowned designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent-Jones, Max Wexler, and Ted Parslow. "Malaysia is rapidly emerging as Asia's leading golf destination, with over 200 golf courses currently available around the country. It has bloomed as the ideal destination for combining a memorable vacation with an exciting game of golf; and the hosting of a PGA TOUR event is testimony to Malaysia's strong golfing heritage," said the prime minister, Y.A.B. Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak.


The PGA TOUR introduced the Asia Pacific Golf Classic, Malaysia 2010 at The Mines Resort & Golf Club in October, the first multi-year agreement in Southeast Asia. The inaugural event featured 40 international players with a USD $6 million purse, with another USD $1 million going to the winner. The LPGA inaugural Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia was played at the impressive Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC), also in October 22 - 24, 2010. The three-year agreement tournament featured the top 50 LPGA members from the Official Money List and 10 sponsor exemptions in a 54-hole, no-cut tournament.


“Sime Darby is honored to be associated with this prestigious world-class sporting event which we will have the privilege of hosting at our very own Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club,” said Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman of the Sime Darby Group, Malaysia's leading multinational corporation. For more information on exotic Malaysia and a complete list of golf courses in the country, please visit www.tourism.gov.my.