Date: November 17-20, 2011

Location: Johor, Malaysia

Course: Horizon Hills G and CC

European Tour Golf Betting Odds: The fifth edition of the prestigious Iskandar Johor Open (IJO) promises to be the best yet, following a massive increase in the total prize money to a record US$2 million. Since its inception in 2007, the Iskandar Johor Open has been a full-field Asian Tour event, but from this year the eagerly-awaited championship will be co-sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours, ensuring an intriguing clash of continents in the tournament’s five-year history.

Reigning champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland is among the top European Tour players expected to headline the stellar line-up of stars in the championship which, for the second consecutive year, will be hosted by Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club.

When Harrington snapped his two-year winless streak at the Iskandar Johor Open last year, his popular victory came with a US$198,125 reward from a total purse of US$1.25 million. This year, the championship offers a 60 per cent increase in prize money to a handsome US$2 million (approximately RM6.014 million), with the champion collecting US$317,000.

Besides steady growth in the total purse over the years, the championship has also seen improved player fields. In last year’s edition, the championship featured a truly international field consisting of players from 24 countries from as far afield as Brazil, Mexico and Zimbabwe.

The Iskandar Johor Open’s elevated status also comes with a change in dates to accommodate the calendar of both Tours, which means the championship has moved from its traditional October slot to November 17-20, 2011.

Horizon Hill’s 6,271-metre, par 72 championship layout proved a popular venue last year. The sprawling 18-hole international championship golf course, designed by renowned architect Ross Watson, earned rave reviews from the players with Harrington describing it as a “very good course with immaculate greens”. The Irishman went on to shoot 20 under par 268 to win by three strokes.

“I am really looking forward to returning to the Iskandar Johor Open to defend my title. Any tournament win is special but after a two year wait, it felt especially good. I very much enjoy my travels to Asia to compete with their best players and experiencing the local culture,” said Harrington who was equally excited about coming back to defend his title.

2011 Iskandar Johor Open Winner - Luiten fights back to win Iskandar Johor Open

Rising star Joost Luiten ofHolland overcame a four-shot deficit to win the weather-shortened Iskandar Johor Open inMalaysia yesterday.

Luiten shot a sizzling six-under-par 65 final round to defeat Daniel Chopra ofSwedenby one shot overall in theUS2 million Asian Tour and European Tour sanctioned event, which was reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather.

Chopra narrowly missed a two-foot eagle putt on the last hole to force a play-off, and had to settle for second with a final round 70 at the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club.

Rhys Davies ofWales, Padraig Harrington ofIrelandand James Morrison ofEnglandfinished in third, two shots off the lead.

Luiten’s round included a hat-trick of birdies from the second hole and gave him an overall total of 15-under 198 to win his first European Tour title.

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