Myanmar Open set for return

This follows an agreement between Air Bagan and the Asian Tour to revive the popular championship.

Due to the tremendous success of last week's Air Bagan Myanmar Masters presented by IBTC, which marked the historic launch of the inaugural Asian Development Tour, Air Bagan has decided to extend its commitment to the game by title sponsoring the Myanmar Open.

The Air Bagan Myanmar Open presented by IBTC will be held from April 8-11, 2010 at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club, which was also the venue of the Myanmar Masters, and offer a total prize fund of US$300,000.

Myanmar's national championship was last played in 2005 when Australian Scott Strange defeated Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee for the title. Officials believe the Air Bagan Myanmar Open presented by IBTC will provide a further boost to the professional golf landscape and sports tourism in the country.

Tay Za, Chairman of Air Bagan and President of Myanmar Golf Federation and Myanmar PGA, said the growth and promotion of Myanmar as a tourist and golfing destination will be enhanced with the timely return of the Myanmar Open.

"Through our title sponsorship of the Air Bagan Myanmar Open, we are confident of attracting more visitors to our peaceful and beautiful country. Besides entertaining fans with four days of world-class golf action, visitors will also enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Myanmar people," said Za.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han was delighted that the Myanmar Open would feature prominently once more on the Asian Tour Schedule, where the new season kicks off this week with the Asian Tour International in Bangkok.

"We are thrilled to welcome back the Myanmar Open. This is made possible with the strong support of our loyal partners and sponsors who are committed to professional golf in Myanmar," said Han.

"On behalf of our talented players, I would like to express our fullest appreciation to Air Bagan and IBTC for their wonderful support and initiative to revive the Open. After their involvement with our first Asian Development Tour event last week, we are honoured that both organizations have now extended their support by helping to revive the Myanmar Open.

"As a player-led organization, the Asian Tour will continue to grow the game across the region and create playing opportunities for our talented members," added Han.

Zaw Moe, one of Myanmar's finest golf exports, said the return of the national championship would contribute greatly towards improving the standard of golf in Myanmar.

He is also looking forward to competing against Asia's best players in his home country again. "It's always special to play in front of your home fans. I'm looking forward to it and I will be ready to give my best," said Moe, winner of the Singapore Open in 1997.

The Myanmar Open was inaugurated in 1996 and the list of champions includes illustrious names such as three-time Asian Tour number one Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, countryman Boonchu Ruangkit, American Anthony Kang, South African James Kingston and Chinese Taipei's Lin Keng-chi.