Malaysia could soon be on the international golf circuit with plans to develop a PGA TOUR TPC facility in the country.
PGA TOUR commissioner Tim Finchem discussed the possibility of developing the TPC (Tournament Players Club) facility during a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here on Wednesday.
The discussions centred on ways to work together to explore areas in which TOUR can use its experience and expertise in Malaysia and the region to advance certain golf-related programmes and initiatives.
Finchem had made a special trip from Florida to Washington to meet the Prime Minister who is on a one-week working visit to the United States.
The discussion touched on several areas of cooperation, including the development of the TPC facility in Malaysia, which would feature on-site PGA TOUR Academy, elite player training and grassroots development of golf in Malaysia.
In a statement released here the same day, the PGA said the academy would help attract high-income tourists to Malaysia, further development of an elite level training for the country’s top and emerging golfers as well as to assist in the development of the game.
Also discussed were opportunities to develop a nationwide programme to teach life skills through golf, provide significant access for players new to the game and expose underprivileged Malaysians to go through municipal and short course development and training programmes for schools and life coaches.
Najib said Malaysia was rapidly emerging as Asia’s leading golf destination, with over 200 golf courses around the country.
“Our intention is to elevate the standard of professional golf and golf itself in Malaysia to new heights working with the leading TOUR in the world,” he added.
Najib also emphasised the opportunities that a close working relationship could provide in the development of a long-term and sustainable programme aimed at creating a pool of world class players in Malaysia.
In November last year, Najib officially launched and announced the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia which will be held at the MINES Resort in October this year.
The tournament, which will feature an international field of 40 players competing for a US$6mil prize purse, is the first to be sanctioned by the PGA TOUR in Southeast Asia.
