Malaysian Golf Association still waiting for Malaysian Open sponsorship money

Graig Nunis
·3-min read
Malaysian Golf Association still waiting for Malaysian Open sponsorship money
"Malaysian Golf Association still waiting for Malaysian Open sponsorship money"

The Malaysian Golf Association’s (MGA) three-year sponsorship with IRS Prima has been cast in doubt as the national body has not been paid for last month’s Malaysian Open.

This was revealed in MGA’s executive council meeting today, where members were told that IRS Prima would only be able to release the money after the Hari Raya celebration next month.

A golfer had also confirmed receiving a letter that the prize money would only be paid in April.

“IRS Prima not only owes MGA, but other vendors involved in the Malaysian Open as well,” said an insider who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“The executive council members were informed that IRS Prima has the money, but needs time to sort out the banking details. MGA is expected to get the cash next month, after Hari Raya (which falls on either April 10 or 11).”

According to IRS Prima’s website, the company is a “dynamic and socially responsible organisation that aspires to deliver economic and social benefits across the nation through its activities in real estate investment and management; charity, and venture philanthropy; and, social and economic development.”

The Malaysian Open was held at The Mines Resort and Golf Club from Feb 15-18. The competition offered US$1 million in prize money.

The Malaysian Open, one of the region’s oldest national Opens, had struggled to find sponsors from 2016 and 2019. The tournament returned in 2020, but was then put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

There was much excitement when MGA announced a three-year sponsorship deal with IRS Prima last December.

This year's edition saw a low turnout of fans. Unfinished marquee tents – usually a place where the who’s who of the golfing industry hang out – also marred the event.

The competition, however, finished on an exciting note. Spain’s David Puig (main image) took the top prize of US$180,000. South Korea’s Wang Jeung-hun was second (US$110,000), while Thailand’s Denwit Boriboonsub and American John Catlin were tied for third, pocketing US$56,500 each.

The Malaysia Open also offered three spots to The British Open – golf’s oldest Major. Catlin was denied a place, as Denwit is placed higher in the world ranking.

Separately, Malaysian professional Ervin Chang said the participants had received a letter from the Asian Tour, which sanctioned the event, informing the golfers that they would receive their prize money in April.

“Yes, we have not been paid. Perhaps it takes time for the organisers to sort everything out,” said Chang.

“I am just focused on preparing for the season, as this is the first year I have qualified for the Asian Tour. It is a big step up. I can’t wait to play against some of the top golfers out there,” he added.

Twentytwo13 has reached out to IRS Prima but it has yet to get back to us.

The post Malaysian Golf Association still waiting for Malaysian Open sponsorship money appeared first on Twentytwo13.

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