International golf facility planned for Malaysia

WASHINGTON - Malaysia could soon be on the international golf circuit with plans to develop a PGA TOUR Tournament Players Clubs (TPC) facility in the country.

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem discussed the possibility during a meeting with visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak here on Wednesday.

The discussions centred on ways to work together to explore prospects in Malaysia, and to advance certain golf-related programmes and initiatives.

The development of the TPC facility would feature on-site PGA TOUR Academy, elite player training and grassroots development of golf.

“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,” The Star quoted a PGA statement, as saying.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Razak emphasized that his country 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.

Razak also highlighted 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. (ANI)