Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, July 12: The Brunei Open will be one of the most eagerly awaited events on the Asian Tour Schedule this year when it returns for the third edition from August 30 to September 2.

The US$300,000 Championship will be held at the famous Jack Nicklaus-designed Empire Hotel and Country Club which was voted by the players as the ‘Host Venue of the Year’ in 2005.

Since the inception of the event two years ago, the Brunei Open has attracted some of the finest golfers from the Asian Tour and with the support of Brunei Tourism, Empire Hotel and Country Club, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Brunei Darussalam Golf Association, the tournament is geared to reach greater heights.

Brunei Tourism Director Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed, said: “The Brunei Open has grown in stature and popularity among the players and fans over the years and we are truly pleased. We are glad to continue our efforts in making the Brunei Open a premier event on the Asian Tour.

“The Brunei Open has received tremendous coverage from the local and international media and we are confident that the event will take centre stage once again when it tees off this year.”

Dato Paduka Hj Yakub bin Ahmad, the Chairman of Brunei Darussalam Golf Association, is proud to be associated with such a highly rated event as he hopes to reach out to all levels of society in the country.

“The Brunei Darussalam Golf Association is delighted to once again host the Brunei Open and is proud to sanction an event of such quality. The collection of such top-class golfers from the Asian Tour can only help to solidify our serious aim to bring about much more exposure to the game of golf and ultimately develop our junior golfing talent in this very nation.”

The Brunei Open is also supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, a move which is in line with the Asian Tour and the Brunei Darussalam Golf Association in reaching out to the masses.

The Empire Hotel and Country Club has proven to be a fitting venue with its breathtaking views and coupled with its pristine course conditions, the players will be eager for an exciting return.

Empire Hotel General Manager Munfred Keiler said: “The Jack Nicklaus-designed course has been the platform for Asia’s best players to produce top class golf and we are proud to be a part of the Brunei Open for the third straight edition.”

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han welcomed the return of the Brunei Open and is confident of another successful Championship.

“The Asian Tour would like to thank Brunei Tourism, Empire Hotel and Country Club, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Darussalam Golf Association and the many other sponsors for their invaluable support and I am confident that we will witness another memorable encounter,” said Han.

“The Brunei Open has seen the crowning of Australian Terry Pilkadaris in 2005 and 2006 winner Wang Ter-chang of Chinese Taipei. With Asia’s best players set to gather once again in August, the players will be determined to strive for glory at one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.”

About the Brunei Open 2007

The Brunei Open is celebrating its third edition this year following its historic launch in 2005. The Championship is supported and organised by Brunei Tourism. The Brunei Open will once again be staged at the award-winning Empire Hotel and Country Club, which is designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. The Brunei Open 2007 is sponsored by the Empire Hotel and Country Club (Host Venue and Official Hotel) and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. The Brunei Open is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, which is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, and by the Brunei Darussalam Golf Association (BDGA).

About Brunei Tourism

Brunei Darussalam, a peaceful and wealthy kingdom on the northern shores of Borneo, is known for having one of the most pristine tropical rainforest environments anywhere, as well as for the pomp and opulence of its centuries old monarchy, steeped in ancient Malay traditions. With easy international direct access through its Royal Brunei Airlines carrier and other regional airlines, and with an up-market product and image appealing to discerning travelers, Brunei is an exciting and safe new destination waiting to be discovered.

About the Asian Tour

The Asian Tour is the official regional sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia. The mission of the Asian Tour is to expand tournament golf so as to substantially enhance the careers of its members, thereby developing and growing golf in Asia 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.