Kim and Montgomerie to feature in Perth

America’s Anthony Kim and Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie have added their names to the star-studded cast of the Johnnie Walker Classic, which takes place from February 19-22 at The Vines Resort & Country Club in Perth, Western Australia. The participation of World Number Nine Kim, one of golf’s hottest young talents, and Montgomerie, the most prolific British winner in European Tour history, will add strength and depth to an already stellar line-up for Asia Pacific’s premier golf event. The tournament will also feature the legendary Greg Norman of Australia, World Number Eight Camilo Villegas of Colmbia, and England’s talented trio Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, the World Number 11. Kim said: “I’m very excited to play in my first Johnnie Walker Classic. I’m really enjoying playing in tournaments all around the world, and I can’t wait to visit Perth. One of my goals this year is to win my first European Tour title, and it would be great to do that at the Johnnie Walker Classic.” Commentating on the confirmation of Kim and Montgomerie, David Gates, Global Brand Director for Johnnie Walker, said. “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. “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.” Born in California of Korean origin, Kim recorded his two victories in 2008 at the Wachovia Championship and the AT&T National in sensational style, before going on to secure fourth spot in the FedEx Cup in only his second year on the US PGA Tour. A highly-decorated amateur who only turned professional in 2006, Kim also earned himself an automatic spot in Paul Azinger’s US Ryder Cup team last September. At Valhalla he made an eye-catching debut by securing two-and-a-half points out of a possible four, and displaying a youthful exuberance which captured the imagination of golfing fans across the globe. 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. Later that year, he went on to secure the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China in partnership with compatriot Marc Warren. Only the second European alongside Bernhard Langer to play in five successful Ryder Cup teams, the 45-year-old has also lifted The Harry Vardon Trophy a record eight times. He said: “I’m really looking forward to playing in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth. 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.” The Johnnie Walker Classic’s tradition of attracting fields of the highest calibre has meant that past winners read like a who’s who of golf. Since 1990, the tournament has been won by the likes of England’s Nick 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). With the confirmation of so many talented players the 2009 event, which holds the unique status of being tri-sanctioned by The European Tour, Asian Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia, promises to be no different, with the field boasting some of the best golfers from around the world. Over the past 19 years, the Johnnie Walker Classic has been played in eight different countries and 13 different golf clubs around the Asia Pacific region, including China in 2005 and for the first time last year India, reflecting the brand’s “Keep Walking” philosophy of continuous progress. It will be the Johnnie Walker Classic’s fourth visit to Perth and the fifth time the event has been staged in Australia, following its antipodean debut at the Hope Island Golf Club in 1997. The Johnnie Walker Classic, presented by the world’s number-one selling Scotch whisky, is owned by DIAGEO, the world’s leading premium drinks business, managed by IMG, the world’s premier sports, lifestyle management and marketing company, and supported by Eventscorp, MasterCard and Rolex. For more information please visit www.johnniewalkerclassic.com