Thomas returns to Malaysia seeking third CIMB Classic title

The big-hitting American said he was excited to be back in Kuala Lumpur for the ninth edition of the tournament where he won his first PGA Tour title in 2015 before defending the crown the following year.

(Reuters)

"I look forward to the opportunity to become the first player to win the CIMB Classic three times. It will be fun to play on the newly renovated West course at TPC Kuala Lumpur," 25-year-old Thomas said in a statement.

"The golf course suits my game as I can take advantage of my length from off the tees, attack the pins and hopefully make a bunch of birdies. I can't wait to get back to Malaysia and see all the fans who have supported me so well over the years."

Thomas will be joined by defending champion Pat Perez, BMW Championship winner Keegan Bradley, England's world number 19 Paul Casey and Japan's five-time PGA Tour winner Hideki Matsuyama.

World Golf Hall of Fame members Ernie Els and Davis Love III, who have a combined 119 international victories, will also compete in the Oct. 11-14 event.

The CIMB Classic is the sole PGA Tour-sanctioned tournament in Southeast Asia.

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Ian Ransom)