The Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour has entered an exciting new era following a historic tri-party agreement with UMW Toyota Motor as the Naming Partner and MST Golf as the Delivery Agency.
Now known as the Toyota Tour, it is not only set to be more lucrative but also offer an elevated experience during tournament week, with premier courses as locations and innovative spectator activities.
The 2023 season is slated to feature a minimum 10-event schedule with a minimum of one co-sanctioned event with the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
Each tournament boasts elevated prize money for both men and women professionals, and incorporates elements that enhance the tour’s connection to the amateur game.
UMW Toyota Motor will also be working with MST Golf to develop an elite junior development programme with the aim of getting more Malaysians on the international tours.
"The PGM Tour’s partnership with UMW Toyota Motor and MST Golf is a huge boost to the local professional golf scene.
"The Toyota Tour will ensure an enhanced pathway for the nation’s professionals and aspiring professionals to progress to the regional and world stages," said PGM Tour Acting Chairman Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman during the Toyota Tour media announcement event last week.
UMW Toyota Motor President K. Ravindran noted that the sport of golf syncs well with Toyota’s ideals.
"Toyota is excited to be part of the professional golf scene in Malaysia as the sport shares many similarities with the company's ideals – our dedication to pushing our limits and our drive for perfection to deliver the best possible performance, all of which are encompassed by the company's brand promise to 'Move Your World'.
"Working closely with our esteemed partners, the PGM Tour and MST Golf, we will also be implementing various sustainability initiatives where we aim to achieve a net positive environmental impact,” he added.
The delivery of the Toyota Tour is entrusted to MST Golf, the region’s leading golf retailer and golf services provider.
"We are extremely proud to be part of the Toyota Tour, which will really drive professional golf in Malaysia to a whole new level.
"The Toyota Tour will be a commercially-driven, sustainable tour and our ultimate aim is to be the best domestic circuit in the world.
"One of the main aims of the tour is to bridge the gap between professional golf and amateur golf, thus building a stronger connection to help boost the golf industry as whole," he said.