Trio returns to a memorable place
The trio of Kevin Na, Charlie Wi and Noh Seung-yul will be playing at a familiar hunting ground this year, at the CIMB Classic. For many years, Malaysia has proved to be extremely fruitful for the Asian golfers.
The trio, prior to joining the PGA Tour, has won all the tournaments on the Malaysian soil while playing on the Asian Tour.
So as it is not an unfamiliar place for them, they would be feeling at home. This could prove to be in their advantage, as most of players in the 48-man field have not played at Mines Resort and Golf Club.
The event will feature 30 players from the PGA Tour, 10 from the Asian Tour and there would be eight sponsor’s exemption, with two places reserved for top local golfers.
The tournament boasts a very strong field, all of whom will be vying for the $1.3 million purse.
Former world number one and the fourteen-time major champion, Tiger Woods will also be taking to the field at this year‘s CIMB Classic, along with former defending champion Bo Van Pelt and Ben Crane.
The 40-year-old Wi’s first title on the Asian Tour came at the 1997 Kula Lumpur Open. The Korean then went on to win six more titles on the Asian Tour, including the 2006 Malaysian Open.
Kevin Na had to struggle to earn his victory but when it came, it was a sweet one, at the 2002 Volvo Masters Open in Malaysia.
Na, who is a Korean-American, has had some wonderful outings on the Malaysian soil during his days on the Asian Tour.
Seung-yul has been rated as the most promising upcoming star. The boy who started golf by hitting golf balls on the beach near his house said that the Asian Tour has laid the foundations of a successful golfing career for him.
Many in the world regard him as a potential world top-ten player. Currently he is under the training of swing maestro Sean Foley, who also guides Tiger Woods.
Seung-yul has had the best of seasons this year on the PGA Tour. Being a rookie, he has not won this year but he has been very consistent with his performances in America.
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