MALAYSIA TO PROMOTE WOMEN'S GOLF

LANGKAWI (Malaysia), Sept 20 (Bernama) -- The government will promote women's
golf as a tourism product to attract more visitors to Malaysia, Tourism Minister
Dr Ng Yen Yen said.

She said that previously, Malaysia had been focusing on men's golf but said that
time had now changed.

"By promoting women's golf, we can get more revenue. When women come here, they
can also go shopping as our country is also known as a popular shopping
destination.

"We can also introduce to them our spa facility," she said at a gala dinner here
last night in conjunction with the Kedah International Red Tee Invitation
Langkawi 2010 golf championship.

Dr Ng said Malaysia had good golfing facilities, with about 170 golf courses,
and fast becoming a major golf destination in the region.

"Next month is the 'Month of Champions' for Malaysia, as we will play host to
three world class golf tournaments involving world top professional golf
players.

"These back-to-back tournaments will be held at some of our esteem golf courses
namely Iskandar Johor Open on Oct 14-17 at the Horizon Hill Golf and Country
Club in Johor Baharu, Sime Darby LPGA on Oct 22-24 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and
Country Club and CIMB Asia Pacific Golf Classic on Oct 28-31 at the Mines Resort
and Golf Club," she said.

The consort of northern state of Kedah ruler Sultanah Haminah emerged the overall
winner of the Langkawi invitational tournament while Nik Jah Mahmud of Kedah and
Thitapa Pakdeesettakul of Thailand finished second and third respectively.

The inaugural event at the Gunung Raya Golf Resort was participated by 56
amateur lady golfers from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea.
-- BERNAMA