subject: Big Names Confirm To Play In Jonnie Walker Classic [print this page] Eight times European Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie and America's Anthony Kim are the latest big names to conform they will be competing in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Western Australia next month.
The presence of Scotland's Montgomerie, who is the most prolific British winner in European tour History, and rising star Kim will help to increase the profile of the tournament which will be played at the Vines Resort & Country Club from February 19 to 22.
The decision of Montgomerie, who uses a Yonex driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges and putter, and Kim to join the growing list of stars entering the Johnnie Walker Classic.
"I'm really looking forward to playing in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth," Montgomerie said. "It's a tournament I always enjoy, and yet it's one I haven't managed to win. I came pretty close when I finished second to Nick Faldo in Singapore in 1993, and have had a few top 10 finishes over the years. But it's certainly a title I would like to have on my CV, and I hope this will be the year."
Montgomerie overtook England's Nick Faldo as the most prolific British winner on The European Tour when he won his 31st Tour title at The European Open at The K Club in Ireland in 2007.
His decision to join Kim and Greg Norman of Australia, World Number Eight Camilo Villegas of Colombia, and England's talented trio Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, the World Number 11 in Perth was welcomed by David Gates, Global Brand Director for Johnnie Walker.
"The confirmation of Anthony Kim adds an extra sparkle to this year's Johnnie Walker Classic, as the 23 year old is one of the most exciting names in golf at the moment following his two wins on the US PGA Tour and his pivotal role in America's Ryder Cup victory last year, in what was only his second year as a professional," he said.
"Meanwhile Monty, a regular competitor in the 19-year history of the Johnnie Walker Classic, will no doubt be hoping that his support for one of Asia Pacific's most popular events will reward him with this prestigious title and the iconic Striding Man trophy."
Previous winners of the Johnnie Walker Classic include Faldo (1990 & 1993), South Africans Ernie Els (1997 & 2003) and Retief Goosen (2002), Australians Norman (1994) and Adam Scott (2005), and America's Tiger Woods (1998 & 2000).
The tournament has been played at 13 different courses in eight countries in the Asia Pacific region in the past 19 years and this will be the fifth time that it has been staged in Australia and the fourth time in Perth.
