Far Hills, N.J., U.S.A. - The International Golf Federation (IGF) and the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) have announced revised dates for the 2002 World Amateur Team Championships. There will also be a format change to the men's event and a site expansion to the women's event.

The 20^th women's competition for the Espirito Santo Trophy will now be held from October 16-19 (previously scheduled for October 2-5), 2002. The 23^rd men's competition for the Eisenhower Trophy will now be held from October 24-27 (previously scheduled for October 10-13), 2002.

Furthermore, the teams participating in the Eisenhower will now consist of three (3) players. The IGF recently decreased this number from four (4) in order to allow more countries to play in the Championship, while still maintaining the event on two courses.

Finally, due to anticipated increased entries for the Espirito Santo field, that competition will now be played over two courses. Therefore, the number of courses and players are now the same for both competitions. The IGF is pleased with the statement these changes make in reference to the worldwide growth of amateur golf.

Both championships will be hosted by Saujana Golf & Country Club, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The competitions are conducted by the IGF and organized locally through the MGA and its affiliate organization, the Malaysian Amateur Ladies Golf Association.

France is the defending champion in the women's event while the United States of America won the men's crown last year in Germany.

Malaysia will be the seventh Asia-Pacific Zone nation to host the biennial championships, which gather some of the best amateurs in the world.

"The best part of the World Amateur Team Championships is playing the events around the globe," said Stephanie Parel, IGF joint deputy secretary. "The 2002 participants will enjoy experiencing Malaysian culture and hospitality."

Both of Saujana's courses, designed by Ron Fream and opened in 1985, will be used for the championships. The Palm Course, nicknamed "The Cobra," has been the host of five Malaysian Opens. In February, Vijay Singh defeated Padraig Harrington in a three-hole playoff for the title. In addition, the Malaysian Ladies Open has been held at the Palm Course three times, including in 2000 and 2001.

Saujana's other course, the Bunga Raya, the Malaysian word for hibiscus, the national flower, is nicknamed "The Crocodile" for its abundant water hazards.

"We're sure that the players will enjoy the courses at Saujana, which will provide a tough, but fair, challenge and are both in excellent condition," said Grant Moir, IGF joint deputy secretary. "We are looking forward to working with the people at Saujana and the MGA."

The IGF was founded in 1958 to encourage the international development of golf and to employ the game as a vehicle to foster friendship and sportsmanship among the peoples of the world. Serving as the International Olympic Committee's recognized International Federation for golf, the IGF comprises the national governing bodies of amateur golf in nearly 100 countries.

For more information, please contact Brett Avery or Beth Murrison of the IGF at 908-234-2300.