The Macao Sport Development Board (MSDB) and Asian Tour are proud to announce Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel has signed up as the new title sponsor of the prestigious Macao Open from October 11 to 14, 2012.

The Venetian Macao will write a new chapter in the colourful history of the tournament by embarking on its first sponsorship foray in professional golf which is set to escalate The Venetian Macao Open to greater heights.

The title sponsorship of Macao’s flagship professional golf tournament is part of The Venetian Macao’s long-term vision to establish Macao as Asia’s number one destination for business, leisure and entertainment.                                                                                                       

This year’s The Venetian Macao Open will be staged at the Macao Golf and Country Club with a total prize pool of US$750,000. All four rounds will be beamed live on the Asian Tour’s global television platform which reaches over 200 nations and 650 million homes.

Title holder Chan Yih-shin of Chinese Taipei and two-time Macao Open champion Zhang Lian-wei of China have committed to this year’s championship. Organisers said other big-name international players will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

The Venetian Macao Open will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Macao Golf Association, and promoted by IMG.

“We are honoured to take up the title sponsorship of this prestigious championship of the Asian Tour, The Venetian Macao Open,” said Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd.

“Through our association with great sporting events, we will continue to provide quality entertainment and sporting extravaganzas in Macao for everyone’s enjoyment; but more importantly, it will promote Macao as a world centre of tourism and leisure.”

He added, “This title sponsorship is truly significant for The Venetian Macao as it is the first time we are involved with the Asian Tour, which continues to lead and grow the sport across Asia. We are committed to growing The Venetian Macao Open and continuing the tradition of this tournament as one of the most exciting events in Macao.”

Since the inauguration of the Macao Open in 1998, the tournament has attracted world-class names. The list of champions include the likes of European stars Lee Westwood of England and Scotsman Colin Montgomerie, while other top stars who have graced the fairways of Macao Golf and Country Club include Vijay Singh of Fiji, England’s Nick Faldo, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington and American duo Fred Couples and Mark O’Meara – all Major winners.

Vong Lao-lek, President of the Macao Sport Development Board, said: “Since the inauguration of the Macao Open in 1998, international stars and leading Asian players have converged to compete in what is now one of Macao’s most iconic and eagerly anticipated annual events. We have had a long-term, wonderful working relationship with the Macao Golf Association over this tournament and it is our hope for this to continue for many years to come as we build Macao into a top class destination for business, sport and leisure.

“The involvement of The Venetian Macao as the tournament’s title sponsor will have a very positive effect on the development of The Venetian Macao Open and we look forward to making this year’s championship a very successful one.”

Mr Vong added: “We also like to thank IMG, which played a vital part in putting this fantastic event back onto the Asian Tour calendar. It is because of their efforts that the Macao Open now enjoys more prize money than it has ever done in the history of the tournament, and we look forward to benefiting again this year of its expertise and knowledge in the golfing world.”

Asian Tour Chief Executive Officer Mike Kerr said: “We are delighted to welcome The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel as our title sponsor of The Venetian Macao Open. It is wonderful that The Venetian Macao has committed to this highly popular tournament which will ensure its further success on the Asian Tour.

“The Venetian Macao understands the value that the Asian Tour can offer through our authentic platform and this sponsorship reinforces the growth for the game in Asia. We will work closely with The Venetian Macao and MSDB to ensure The Venetian Macao Open steps into a new and exciting era.”

Grant Slack, Senior Vice President, IMG Golf, Asia Pacific, said, “We are delighted to be a part of the Macao Open for the second year in a row. This prestigious tournament has developed a remarkable legacy in the past decade and it is an iconic annual sporting event that the people of Macao are so proud of. The tournament is delighted to have a new title sponsor this year – The Venetian Macao, which draws international attention through its array of top class entertainment offerings and unparalleled hospitality. The Venetian Macao shares our vision, and that of the Macao Sport Development Board, to grow this tournament into one of Asia’s finest and in tandem let the world know Macao is a top tourism destination in Asia, delivering the most memorable and exciting experience for all visitors who come through the city.”

He continued: “IMG Media and Asian Tour have a joint venture to manage the production and distribution of the Asian Tour television programmes and we are committed to deliver a high-quality live production for all four tournament days of the event. The Venetian Macao Open will be broadcasted globally on the Asian Tour Media’s extensive television platforms across Asia, Europe, the Golf Channel, Fox Sports in Australia plus numerous others reaching a combined total of 200 countries and over 650 million homes worldwide.”

“This coverage, supported by the Event Highlights which is also broadcast on Eurosport Asia and within Golfing World, plus the Asian Tour’s weekly magazine show, will help showcase Macao and what it has to offer both on and off the course. This excellent TV distribution platform will also help ensure that The Venetian Macao receive global exposure and maximize on their return of investment with the event.

“We certainly look forward to working with The Venetian Macao, MSDB, Macao Golf Association, MGCC and the other tournament partners to deliver a fantastic Championship.”