THE law of averages says there is a good chance that a Malaysian golfer will win the Malaysian Open which starts today at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club.
After all, there are 47 local golfers out of the 156-strong field for the US$1 million event.
But the thing is no Malaysian has been able to win the Malaysian Open since it was first held in 1962.
Three Malaysians will want to break the duck this time. Former Asian Tour winners Ben Leong, Nicholas Fung and Danny Chia seem to have what it takes to be a Malaysian Open winner.
The trio have got a total of four Asian Tour and nine Asian Development Tour titles among them.
Ben, the only Malaysian to win an Asian Tour event on home soil, is optimistic of his chances but he will adopt a relaxed approach to the tournament which is making a comeback after four years.
“It's great to see the Malaysian Open back after four years. It's really motivating,” said Ben.
Danny, a two-time Asian Tour winner, said: “I have had a lot of good memories playing in the Malaysian Open, especially on this course.
“We last played the Open here in 2008 and I remember I was tied for the lead after two rounds. It's nice to be back. The course is looking fantastic.”
This year’s Malaysian Open features an illustrious list of past winners, including India’s Anirban Lahiri and Arjun Atwal, Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat as well as South Korea’s Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Noh Seung-yul.