The 2016 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open promises to place Myanmar firmly on the golfing map when the US$750,000 event makes a welcome return next February.
Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour, the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open will see the gathering of the region’s finest players when the prestigious event gets underway from February 4 to 7, 2016.
With the continued success of Asian players on the international stage, the spotlight will turn to Myanmar where fans will have the opportunity to witness the action live at Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club after a three-year absence.
Inaugurated in 1996, the Myanmar Open has been staged on 13 occasions on the Asian Tour with the last being played in 2013 when it was won by Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol.
Former champions include Asian Tour stars such as Boonchu Ruangkit and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Keng-chi and Japanese ace Tetsuji Hiratsuka while international players who have won in Myanmar include South Africa’s James Kingston, American Anthony Kang and Australian Kieran Pratt.
Leopalace21 President and CEO, Eisei Miyama said, “While we are confident our title sponsorship of the Myanmar Open will allow us to fulfil our commercial objectives in the region, we are also excited to be involved in growing and developing the game in Myanmar.
Our initial three-year partnership with the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour through this event will certainly allow us to achieve these targets.”
Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han is also confident the country will witness the emergence of young talent when the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open gets underway.
“Every playing opportunity counts and it’s only through high level competition that players get to develop and prove themselves,” said Han, himself a former Asian Tour number one.
“I’m looking forward to a good contest at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open, which I’m sure will unearth more future talents of the game.”
Myanmar Golf Federation (MGF) President U Ko Ko Aye shared similar views as Han and is looking forward to witness the rise of the next generation of golfers from Myanmar.
“The return of our national championship will definitely spur local golf development and inspire young golfers to excel in the professional game.
“I’m delighted the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open will provide our local hopefuls with the chance to compete against the best and make themselves count,” he said.
JGTO chairman Katuji Ebisawa said “Recently, Myanmar has received great momentum in their economic liberalization and increased investment from foreign capitals. Myanmar is also enjoying a high growth rate which is among the highest among countries in Asia.Â
“Many Japanese companies are launching into the country and much attention is given from neighbouring Southeast Asian countries with regards to its stunning economic growth.
“At this occasion, we appreciate LeoPalace 21, who is active in real estate and operation business in the region with a rapid growing presence overseas, in accepting the Title Sponsorship for the Tournament, and we’re confident that this will continue to be a longstanding important tournament.”
Photo caption:
(L-R) U Ko Ko Aye, President, Myanmar Golf Federation, Kyi Hla Han, Chairman, Asian Tour, Eisei Miyama, President, Leopalace21, General Win Hlaing (retired) Patron of Myanmar Golf Federation
Masayoshi Takaba, Vice Chairman, JGTO, U Aung Kyi, Vice President, Myanmar Golf Federation, Chan Han, Secretary, Myanmar PGA
