The Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters will be telecast ‘live’ for the first time in the tournament’s history when the sixth edition tees-off at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club on September 5-8.

A popular fixture on the Asian Tour since joining the circuit in 2008, the RM1.2 million event (approximately US$395,000) full-field event and will see its final two rounds beamed live to a global audience. Over 200 countries and 650 million homes will receive the broadcast on the Asian Tour’s worldwide television platform via the live telecast and other programmes.

Defending champion Joonas Granberg will headline the tournament alongside many of the leading Asian Tour players, while Kota Permai touring professional Sukree Othman will be hoping to ride on his current superb form and improve on his joint fifth finish last year. Previous winners of the tournament include Malaysia’s own Ben Leong (2008), Rick Kulacz of Australia (2009), Angelo Que of the Philippines (2010) and Granberg when the tournament was staged at Kota Permai for the first time last year.

“We are pleased to reach this new milestone as it will further enhance our flagship tournament and promote the state of Selangor and Malaysia to a wider and global audience,” said Worldwide Holdings chairman, Datuk Mohd Arif Ab. Rahman, during a July 1 press conference at Kota Permai attended by Selangor chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

“Golf has come a long way in Malaysia and it is our fervent hope that our event will help to further grow the game in the country and across the region. We have seen many worthy champions emerge from the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters and it is our hope that another local player will follow in the footsteps of Ben Leong, who won the event in 2008.”

The title sponsor of the tournament since 2008, state-linked Worldwide Holdings’ portfolio of businesses includes property development and investment, environmental management services and investment holdings.

Asian Tour executive chairman Kyi Hla Han noted the live television coverage will significantly benefit the tournament and sponsors.

“The live television broadcast will give added value to all sponsors associated with the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters as the tournament will be showcased around the world on our vast TV platform,” said Han.

“We are proud to be associated with the Selangor Masters since 2008 and I would like to extend my gratitude to Worldwide Holdings and the Selangor government for their outstanding support in enhancing the sport in the region.”

Kota Permai general manager Tang Meng Loon was confident that the club’s Ross Watson-designed course will be in prime condition come tournament week.

“The course is in superb condition and we will be working hard towards making it even better when the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters tees-off,” said Tang. “We are targeting the green speeds to be around 12 on the Stimpmeter and the rough at three inches high to provide a challenging test for the region’s top professionals.”

Previous Yao Ming and Ronaldo set for World Celebrity Pro-Am at Mission Hills HaikouNext Na Yeon Choi to defend title in Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia