Monty and Kim join field for

Johnnie Walker Classic

PRESS RELEASE
American Anthony Kim and Colin Montgomerie have added their illustrious names to the star-studded field for the Johnnie Walker Classic which tees off from February 19 to 22 at The Vines Resort & Country Club in Perth, Western Australia.
The participation of Kim, pictured right, one of golf’s hottest young talents who is currently ranked ninth in the world and Montgomerie, the most prolific British winner in European Tour history, will add strength and depth to the stellar line-up for Asia Pacific's premier luxury golf event which already features the legendary Greg Norman, world No 8 Camilo Villegas, and Englishmen Lee Westwood, ranked 11, colourful Ian Poulter who is 27 in the world and Paul Casey in 42nd spot.
Said US Ryder Cup player Kim: “I am very excited to play in my first Johnnie Walker Classic. I am 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 in February 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 the America’s Ryder Cup victory last year, in 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 and then went 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 pro in 2006, Kim also earned himself an automatic spot in Paul Azinger’s US Ryder Cup team last September.
At Valhalla he made an impactful debut producing some brilliant play, securing 2.5 points out of 4, and displaying a youthful exuberance on the course that captured the imagination of world golf.
Montgomerie overtook 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 with compatriot Marc Warren. Only the second European alongside Bernhard Langer to play in five successful Ryder Cup teams, the 45-year-old also holds a record eight European Order of Merit titles.
“I am really looking forward to playing in the 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth. It is a tournament I always enjoy and yet, it is one that I haven’t managed to win," said Montgomerie.
"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 is certainly a title I would like to have on my C.V. and I hope that this will be the year,” said Montgomerie.
For more information please visit http://www.johnniewalkerclassic.com/