Golfer Westwood to defend Malaysian Open title

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 15: Defending champion Lee Westwood will return for defence of his 2015 Maybank Malaysian Open title at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club Feb 5-8.

Ryder Cup teammates Graeme McDowell and captain Paul McGinley were earlier announced as the marquee names for the $3 million showpiece, jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Former World No.1 Westwood, who Sunday claimed his 42nd career title in Thailand, is looking to lift the Seagram Trophy for the third time.

"You have to play really well to win any tournament by seven shots. I played really nicely that week and didn't make many mistakes, which was key to my victory. If I can stay solid from tee to green, I don't see why I can't be in contention again," said the 41-year-old Westwood, who has been a regular in Asia since 1994.

Flamboyant Frenchman Victor Dubuisson will also take part in the four-day event. 

The first national Open in Asia to be co-sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours since 1999, the Maybank Malaysian Open 2015 will once again feature top professional players as part of its 156-player line-up.

Prize money earned at the event will go towards the Asian Tour Order of Merit and will also count towards the European Tour's Race to Dubai at the end of the year.