Hua Hin, Thailand, January 8: The Asian Tour Qualifying School, which has attracted an all-time high of 761 entries from aspiring professionals from across the globe, will commence with the First Stage Section A on Wednesday.
The First Stage Section A will be held at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club, Royal Thai Army Sports Centre and Banyan Golf Club where Tour hopefuls from over 30 countries will vie for their playing rights for the 2013 Asian Tour season.
Due to the record number of entries which surpassed last year’s total of 580 players, the First Stage Section B will be played the following week at the Imperial Lakeview and Springfield Royal Country Club to accommodate the additional players.
A total of 605 players will tee up for the First Stage Section A and Section B. After four rounds, the top 15% players from each venue will qualify for the all-important Final Stage from January 23 to 26.
Notable names in Stage One include the highly rated Rashid Khan of India, Won Joon Lee of Australia, former European Tour player Pelle Edberg of Sweden and 2000 Malaysian Open champion Yeh Wei-tze of Chinese Taipei.
156 players are already exempted into the all-important Final Stage at the Imperial Lakeview and Springfield Royal where the top-40 finishers and ties will earn their Tour cards for 2013.
Over the years, the Asian Tour Qualifying School has been the springboard to success for many of the region’s recognisable names.
Thai hero Thongchai Jaidee, who came through the 1999 Qualifying School, and 2010 Order of Merit champion Noh Seung-yul of Korea, who graduated in 2008, are amongst those who have qualified through the Qualifying School and enjoyed success on the Asian Tour.
Other graduates who have become Tour champions include Korea’s Charlie Wi, India’s Shiv Kapur and Arjun Atwal, Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka and Masanori Kobayashi, Australian Scott Hend as well as Berry Henson and David Lipsky of the United States.
A one-time PGA Tour winner and graduate of the Asian Tour, Korean-American Kevin Na believes that players who eventually earn their cards on the Asian Tour will benefit immensely from the playing opportunities on the Tour.
“Keep playing well here. If you keep playing well and win, it will open up a lot of doors for you. The Asian Tour is a great place and a great Tour to develop your game,” said Na, who enjoyed his career breakthrough in Malaysia in 2002.
The Qualifying School is the only pathway to compete on the Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour, which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking status from this year onwards.
Qualifying School players who do not finish in the top-40 at the Final Stage for their Asian Tour cards will receive playing privileges on the Asian Development Tour.
Last year, a total of 27 events were sanctioned by the Asian Tour while the Asian Development Tour held 13 tournaments on its schedule.
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia.  This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Kuala Lumpur, January 8: The excitement leading to one of the most important golf tournaments in the region, the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, intensifies as the  title sponsor, Maybank, unveiled today its first confirmed Star Player, the current World Number 2 – Luke Donald.
The Maybank Malaysian Open 2013 which will be held from March 21 – 24 at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) is regarded as the most prestigious golf event in the country and a leading  National Open in the region. The event has hosted some of the best international and regional professional golf players. This year, the tournament ups the ante with a prize purse of US$2.75 million, an increase of US$250,000 from last year’s tournament.
Donald, a native of Hertfordshire, England, will be making his debut in the tournament. The 35 year old is determined to regain the World Number One crown this year from Rory McIlroy, one of his team-mates in Europe’s thrilling success at The 2012 Ryder Cup. Donald, who won the Money Lists on both sides of the Atlantic in 2011, has accrued a total of seven European Tour titles, including back to back success in the Tour’s Flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship.
In making the announcement today, Maybank Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor, said, “The confirmation of Luke Donald is indeed another boost for the Maybank Malaysian Open. Since we took over the title sponsorship of this tournament in 2006, we have endeavoured to bring world class golfing personalities to Malaysia.”
“Donald’s presence, like many other top players we have had in the past, will not only draw the crowd but also strengthen Malaysia’s standing in the global golfing map. Given the growing interest and spectator numbers at the Maybank Malaysian Open, we intend to continue inspiring our local fans and golfers with the opportunity to see the world’s best on our greens, and in the process, raising the standard of golf in Malaysia.”
Tan Sri Megat also announced another initiative to ensure that the Maybank Malaysian Open continues to excite the public.  “For the first time, our Platinum cardholders and above from around the region will be given free access to watch the golf tournament live. All they have to do is to show their cards at the point of entry.”
Tan Sri Megat added that to further promote the Maybank Malaysian Open, it will expand its Corporate Golf Challenge to Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia this year.  Winners from the Maybank Corporate Challenge will experience the tournament LIVE, with exclusive access to the Maybank Hospitality Marquee and get the chance to play at the championship course during the Corporate Golf Day.”
Since taking up the title sponsorship of the event eight years ago, Maybank has managed to attract high-caliber golfers from around the world with the likes of Rory McIIroy, Louis Oosthuizen, Matteo Manassero, Martin Kaymer, Charl Schwartzel, Charlie Wie, Thongchai Jaidee, KJ Choi and Alvaro Quiros.
The first National Open in Asia to be co-sanctioned by both the European and Asian Tours in 1999, Mr. John Eu – Chief Executive Officer of GlobalOne shared that “Luke Donald is just the start of many exciting reveals leading up to this year’s tournament. We’ve got so much more planned out leading up to and during the tournament it’s definitely an event not to be missed.”
The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), who incorporated the championship some 52 years back, and the official owner cum custodian of the tournament, looks forward to some exciting and top quality action, good sportsmanship and memorable moments at the upcoming Maybank Malaysian Open 2013. “Maybank Malaysian Open has always been a platform for professional golfers to elevate their performance and propel their careers in the international arena, further. Many of our Malaysian players have benefited tremendously from the exposure and opportunity to play in an international event, alongside professionals from around the world. The Maybank Malaysian Open 2013 will bring out the A-Games of our participants leaving spectators with 4 days of truly spectacular golf action, said MGA Vice President Datuk Mohamed Zain Yusuf.
“Every year, the Asian Tour stars look forward to competing in the Maybank Malaysian Open, which is a world-renowned championship. Our talented members have always been successful in this prestigious event with the likes of Arjun Atwal, Anthony Kang, Thongchai Jaidee and Noh Seung-yul winning the championship in recent years. We are pleased to work closely with the Malaysian Golf Association, European Tour and GlobalOne to promote golf at the highest level in Asia where Malaysia contributes immensely towards the growth and success of the Asian Tour through the staging of great events like the Maybank Malaysian Open,” said Mr. Mike Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Tour.
Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour said: “Luke Donald’s debut in this year’s Maybank Malaysian Open and the increase in the prize fund will serve to further heighten the profile of what is already a well-established and prestigious tournament on The European Tour International Schedule. Since we began co-sanctioning the event in 1999, the stature of the Maybank Malaysian Open has grown year on year, and so we should thank our partners at the Asian Tour and the MGA for all their efforts, as well as the title sponsor Maybank and the promoter GlobalOne.”
Come March 2013, KLGCC will be the place to be for electrifying golf action and Mr. Steven Thielke –General Manager of the well-known golf club shares the club’s excitement to once again be part of the prestigious event. “This will be KLGCC’s fourth year as the official venue of Maybank Malaysian Open. We are extremely proud and honoured to once again work with Maybank, MGA and GlobalOne to make this international event a success. We look forward to an all-around good camaraderie amongst the golfers and spectators during the 4-day event”.
The special press event held today to announce the latest updates on the upcoming Maybank Malaysian Open 2013 was complimented with a friendly golf game between members of the attending media and corporate guests at the beautifully landscaped golf course of KLGCC.
For more information on Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, visit www.maybankmalaysianopen.com or follow us on Twitter @maybankmsiaopen or #maybankmalaysianopen.
About Maybank
The Maybank Group is Malaysia’s regional financial services leader with an international network of over 2,200 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, Myanmar, Laos, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Great Britain and the United States of America.
The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes commercial banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 46,000 employees serving 22 million customers worldwide.
About the Malaysian Golf Association
Founded in 1929, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) as the sole governing body of golf in Malaysia has been entrusted to promote the game while preserving its traditions and integrity.
It’s a non-government organization that runs by volunteers who are passionate about the game with the help of a team of management staff.
The Association’s portfolios have increased over the years ranging from conducting 14 state amateur opens, national amateur open, national amateur close, Malaysian Open to processing handicaps through its National Handicap System to promoting grassroot programs and training of the athletes to represent Malaysia in the international events.
We take our responsibilities seriously in promoting the game in Malaysia while simultaneously upholding the Rules of Golf as prescribed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A).
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia.  This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Cityneon (Official Event Overlay Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
About The European Tour
The European Tour is committed to celebrating the game of golf from the origins of the professional game, building a proud history of achievement, sportsmanship and integrity as well as showcasing our diverse global talent and rich landscapes. The European Tour’s innovative approach enables us to embrace the world, combining championships of tradition with new tournaments in the cities and countries of the future.
The European Tour International Schedule, which from 2009 has incorporated The Race to Dubai, is a thriving global brand which, in 2012, will feature a minimum of 46 tournaments spread across all five continents of the world; the European Challenge Tour focuses on the up and coming players of the future; while the European Senior Tour provides a new start for champions celebrating their 50th birthday.
The European Tour’s corporate identity features the iconic silhouette image of six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon who gives his name to The Harry Vardon Trophy, presented to the player who is crowned European Tour Number One and winner of The Race to Dubai at the end of the season.
About Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) is a member of Sime Darby Property Bhd and a propriety Club wholly-owned and operated by KLGCC Berhad. The club has won numerous accolades from both local and foreign golfing fraternity, the latest being voted the Malaysia’s Golf Club of the Year in Par Golf Awards 2011, No.1 Golf Course in Malaysia and Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2011 and HAPA Golf Course of the Year by the prestigious Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards Regional Series 2011 – 2013.  Today, it has become a landmark as the most luxurious golf resort development in Malaysia and KLGCC has in recent years hosted numerous international championships such as the Maybank Malaysian Open and the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
About GlobalOne
GlobalOne is an executive lifestyle sports marketing consultancy. We have in the past created partnerships in golf, motor racing, sailing, tennis, rugby, skiing, athletics, basketball, cycling and skiing. Today, as an event promoter, GlobalOne’s primary focus and area of sports rights ownership is professional golf.
GlobalOne currently stages two highly successful tournaments in Asia – the Maybank Malaysian Open, which is co-sanctioned by the European tour and the Asian Tour and the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open.