October 24-27, 2013
Kuala Lumpar Golf and Country Club West Course
2012 Champion: Nick Watney
For CIMB Winners & Records click HERE
Where are we?
CIMB Classic after three years has changed venues. Originally played at the Mines Resort & Golf Club, this event will now be played at the Kuala Lumpar Golf and Country Club West Course in Bukit Kiara, Malaysia. The West Course (7,000 yards from the tournament tees) has been host to several European and Asian Tour events. This par-72 course was built in 1991 and recently renovated in 2008. This course has been described as the future of golf course layouts. Their seventeenth par 4 has been labeled one of the most beautiful holes in the world.
What should we know?
This will be the first time a PGA TOUR Fed Ex Cup event is hosted in Asia. This is a 78-Player Field consisting of players from the Asian Tour (10), PGA Tour (60) and 8 sponsor exemptions. First prize purse will consist of $7,000,000 and an invitation for the 2014 Masters.
Who will we know?
PGA Tour favorites, such as Phil Mickelson, Keegan Bradley, Sergio Garcia and Ernie Els are amongst the competition.
Who don’t we know, but should keep a close eye on?
Again, this tournament an Asian/PGA tour co-sanctioned event. Don’t be surprised to see some sort of movement come from the Asian Tour field. Alot of heat is already on Asian tour standout, Kiradech Aphibarnrat from Thailand. Kiradech has already five top 10 finishes in 10 Asian Tour Tournament, including one win. But let’s not rule out tour veteran, Scott Hend who had three wins during the 2013 Asian Tour, recently picking up a win last week at the Macau Open.
Potential headlines:
BO VAN PELT RECLAIMS HIS TITLE AFTER LAST YEARS RUNNER-UP FINISH?
ASIAN TOUR YOUNG GUNS MAKE A STATEMENT AT THIS YEARS CLASSIC?
HEND REMAINS ON FIRE WITH ANOTHER WIN?
Tournament outlook:
This is going to be a very interesting tournament. I would really like to see a strong push come from the Asian Tour field. Scott Hend has been on fire through the month of October with two wins. There has also been talk of Bo Van Pelt making a run for it this year as well. In the past two years of this tournament, Pelt won in 2011 and then finished as the runner up last year. Only problem for him is that the tournament took place at the Mines Resort & Golf Club. An outlook on the weather isn’t so promising for this weekend in Malaysia, with high temperatures and chances of precipitation, this is going to be one sticky tournament.
And the Winner is….
I’m sorry, I can’t ignore the roll Scott Hend is on right now. Three wins total this year and with two that occurred in this month. Seriously? How can anyone ignore that I think he might just to keep focus.
Do you think I’m clearly way off? Do you think the PGA will keep this tournament in their pocket, or will the stars of the Asian Tour finally shine bright?
Let us know who you think will win the classic. Guess right and we might have a nice lil’ prize for you.
