Star Players Confirmed For Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia

< NEWS

Kuala Lumpur, 4 September 2014 - The 2014 edition of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia will continue its reputation for attracting the best golfers in the world, as six of the world s top players announced today that they will be heading to Malaysia for the October showdown when the tournament returns to Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) from 9 12 October, 2014.

World No.1* Stacy Lewis (U.S.), World No.4* Suzann Pettersen (Norway), World No.5* So Yeon Ryu (S. Korea), World No. 10* Anna Nordqvist (Sweden), World No.11* Cristie Kerr (U.S.) and World No.19* Jessica Korda (U.S.) will join defending champion World No. 7* Lexi Thompson (U.S.) and World No.3* Lydia Ko (New Zealand) when the tournament celebrates its fifth year at KLGCC. (*Rolex Women s World Golf Rankings, 1 September 2014)

The eight players now confirmed for the tournament boast no less than 11 LPGA wins on tour so far this year, once again ensuring that Malaysian golf fans get to see the very best in action on the East Course over the four day tournament.

Norway s Suzann Pettersen, who boasts career earnings of more than US$12 million, already has nine top-ten finishes on tour so far this year, who tied in third place on the East Course last year.

Pettersen said, It is such a good course and a great event which all the players enjoy. I had my best finish last year so I will be looking to build on that result. The conditions are always a factor so you ve really got to stay focused with the hot weather and occasional breaks, but it is a beautiful place to play golf. As always, I am looking forward to returning to Malaysia.

A sentiment also shared by one of the veterans of the LPGA Tour, Cristie Kerr. The former World No.1 continues to show consistently good form, claiming 11 top-ten finishes on tour so far this year, including two runner-up finishes.

A firm favourite among fans in Malaysia and widely recognised for her charitable work off the course, Kerr said: I always look forward to the Sime Darby LPGA. It s a fantastic tournament both inside the ropes as well as everything that the tournament does away from the golf course for breast cancer in Malaysia. It s a great golf course and I am looking forward to playing well there this year!

One player who will certainly have the title in her sights is South Korea s So Yeon Ryu. Fresh from victory at the Canadian Pacific Women's Open, the two-time tour winner has 11 top-ten finishes to her name this year, adding: I was so happy to get that win over the weekend. I ve come close on a few occasions recently and not got the win so this was pretty special. I hope it sets me up for a good run as the tour moves on to Asia. Obviously I feel more at home in Asia and the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia is always a favourite tournament. I got 5th place in my rookie year in 2012 so will look to go better than that this year.

The fifth edition of the US$ 2 million purse Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia will take place on the East course at KLGCC from 9-12 October 2014. 75 players, made up of 63 players from the LPGA tour, six Malaysian Nationals and a further six sponsor exemptions, including one place in the Asia Qualifying Tournament, will compete in the 72-hole stroke play, no cut tournament for one of the largest prize purses in Asia.