World No.1 Lewis Among Top Players Featured in October Showdown at KLGCC

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.

Speaking about her participation in the tournament, Stacy Lewis, who emphatically ended Inbee Park’s 59 week reign at the top of the Rolex Rankings with three wins and an impressive 14 top-ten finishes to her name so far this year said, “Everything is going fairly well at the moment. I am pleased with my year so far and would like to finish strong. I always look forward to the Sime Darby LPGA tournament and it would be fun to play well in Malaysia.”

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.

Tickets for the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia 2014 are available at www.ticketpro.com.my, Ticketpro outlets and Ticketpro hotline on +603 7880 7999.

Stay in touch with all the tournament news and developments at simedarbylpgamalaysia.com. Tournament activities can also be followed on Twitter and Instagram @SimeDarbyLPGA and on Facebook at facebook.com/SimeDarbyLPGAMalaysia

-ENDS-

About Sime Darby

Sime Darby is a Malaysia-based diversified multinational involved in key growth sectors, namely, plantations, industrial equipment, motors, property and energy & utilities. Founded in 1910, its business divisions seek to create positive benefits in the economy, environment and society where it has a presence.

With a workforce of over 100,000 employees in over 20 countries, Sime Darby is committed to building a sustainable future for all its stakeholders. It is one of the largest companies on Bursa Malaysia with a market capitalisation of RM57bn (USD18bn) as of 2 September 2014.

About Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC)

Originally opened in 1991, KLGCC is Sime Darby Property’s leading leisure facility. Both the West and East Courses were redesigned by renowned international golf course architect E & G Parslow and then re-opened in 2008 and 2010 respectively. The high quality of construction is synonymous with Sime Darby and incorporates state-of-the art technologies and impressive attention to detail. Since then, KLGCC has redefined superior service and excellence; its facilities and hospitality are one of the prides of the golfing industry.

In addition to the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, KLGCC is home to the internationally renowned Maybank Malaysian Open and CIMB Classic.

Sime Darby Property is Malaysia's leading property developer with a successful track record of developing townships of sustainable communities. As a leading integrated property group, its core businesses are Property Development and Property Investment. In addition to Malaysia, it has a global reach in Singapore, Vietnam, Australia and United Kingdom. For more information on Sime Darby Property and KLGCC, visit www.simedarbyproperty.com and www.klgcc.com.

About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)

The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

About IMG

IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion and media operating in more than 30 countries around the world. IMG’s businesses include Events & Media, College, Golf, Tennis, Performance and IMG Academy, Fashion, Models, Clients, Consulting, Licensing, Joint Ventures, and creative management agency Art + Commerce. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world’s leading entertainment and media agency. Together, the companies offer an unparalleled client roster; world-class partnerships with sponsors, brands and broadcasters; and marquee assets across entertainment, events and fashion.

Media contacts:
I-Mae Liew
Arcis Communications,
Selangor, Malaysia
DD: +6012 383 5688
E:imae@arciscommunications.com

Kitty Wu
Brand Rapport
Hong Kong
DD: +65 9610 8111
E: kwu@brand-rapport.com