CIMB Classic 2014: Dates, TV Schedule and Prize Money
Some of the top golfers in the world will look for a big payday by winning the CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur.
This Malaysian event has been a favorite among golfers since its inception in 2010, becoming a PGA-sanctioned tournament in 2012. The players can now earn up to 500 FedEx Cup points toward the 2015 season along with a share of what has become one of the largest prize pools in the world.
As a result, former major winners and more of the sport's biggest stars made the long trip to enjoy one of the most intriguing tournaments on the early part of the schedule.
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Here is a look at what you need to know heading into the exciting event:
When: Thursday, Oct. 30 through Sunday, Nov. 2
Where: Kuala Lumpur Golf & CC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tee Times: Pairings have not yet been announced but will be available at PGATour.com.
Purse: $7,000,000; Winner's Share: $1,260,000
FedEx Cup Points: 500
| Wed, Oct. 29 | 11 p.m. - 3 a.m. | Golf Channel |
| Thur, Oct. 30 | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., 11 p.m. - 3 a.m. | Golf Channel |
| Fri, Oct. 31 | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., 11 p.m. - 3 a.m. | Golf Channel |
| Sat, Nov. 1 | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., 11 p.m. - 3 a.m. | Golf Channel |
| Sun, Nov. 2 | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Golf Channel |
Note: Kuala Lumpur is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Time.
Top Players to Watch
Jason Dufner
Although Jason Dufner missed about three months worth of golf with a neck injury, he is ready to once again show he is among the best golfers in the world.
He discussed his return to the sport before the Perth International, via Golfweek Magazine:
Sometimes, all it takes is some time to refresh in order to succeed, because the fan favorite was not playing well before going down with the injury. Dufner withdrew at the PGA Championship and could not finish in the top 50 in any of the three events prior.
On the positive side, the talent is there to compete with the best in the world. He won the 2013 PGA Championship and is often in contention late at the sport's biggest events.
If the 37-year-old player can come out with some strong performances before the new year, he can be a serious threat once the majors begin in 2015.
Sergio Garcia
Although he still does not have a major championship on his resume, Sergio Garcia had arguably the best season of his career in 2014.
In 16 stroke-play events, Garcia made the cut in 15, finished in the top 25 in 12 and was in the top 10 in 10. It is rare to see a player have this dominant of a season without winning a single tournament.
However, he is still looking for more in 2015. The No. 4 player in the world wants to start raising trophies, especially in the bigger tournaments when the pressure is on.
Although the cameras will not be as prevalent in Malaysia as they are at Augusta, this is a solid field that will give him a serious challenge. If he can finish on top of the leaderboard, it could give him confidence to have an even better upcoming season.
The key for him will be to work on finishing tournaments strong with a good performance Sunday. If he can do this, the Spanish star could be unstoppable.
Ryan Moore
He does not have the experience or past success of other big-name entries like Brandt Snedeker, Davis Love III, Billy Horschel, Louis Oosthuizen, Stewart Cink and others. However, one thing Ryan Moore has is a championship at this very tournament.
The American won the 2013 CIMB Classic in a playoff against Gary Woodland, becoming the fourth player from the United States to win in as many years.
He discussed how much this tournament means to him in a press conference earlier in the week:
"I’m excited to come back there as a defending champion. I think it’s something special at any event. This is my third PGA TOUR victory and I’ve been out here for 10 years, so it doesn’t happen all the time. It’s definitely always a special week.
Obviously I won it last year, so it has a great place in my heart as a tournament that means something to me.
"
The win was the start of a solid year for Moore, which featured seven top-10 finishes and a tie for 12th at the Open Championship. He remains one of the most accurate drivers on tour, and he knows how to consistently put himself in a good position to succeed.
His experience and ability to get the ball in the fairway almost every time out could help him potentially defend his title.
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