Macao, 16 May 2013: The Venetian^® Macao-Resort-Hotel has confirmed its title sponsorship of the Venetian Macao Open for the second consecutive year, one of the most prestigious professional golf tournaments on the Asian Tour. Jointly organised by Macao Sport Development Board of Macao SAR Government (MSDB) and Golf Association of Macao, the tournament is sanctioned by the latter and the Asian Tour, and promoted by IMG.

Taking place between 17 to 20 October at the picturesque Macao Golf & Country Club once again, the 15^th edition of the tournament boasts a total prize pool US$800,000, an increase of 6.25% compared to last year. Live action across all four days of the Venetian Macao Open will be beamed on the Asian Tour television platform, which provided over 600 hours of coverage last year, reaching 650 million homes across the globe.

Vong Iao Lek, President of MSDB, is delighted with the return of The Venetian Macao as title sponsor of the tournament, and said:  “We are extremely pleased to be partnering The Venetian Macao for the second year in a row. The Venetian Macao Open has already established itself as one of the city’s top sporting highlights and over the past 15 years, it has successfully showcased to the world how Macao can play host to a top class international golf tournament. This year, we look forward to another exciting tournament with some of the world’s top players challenging for this coveted trophy.”

“We have had a long-term, fruitful working relationship with the Golf Association of Macao over this tournament and we hope to continue this for many years and to carry on showcasing to the world how Macao can play host to a top class international golf tournament”, Mr Vong added.

Following a successful foray into the world of golf last year, The Venetian Macao is honoured to be associated with the event again, which was won by India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar last year. Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd. said: “We are pleased to once again sponsor the Venetian Macao Open, one of the city’s most iconic annual sporting events. The Venetian Macao prides itself in hosting world class sporting events; we look forward to supporting this tremendous event again this year and are committed to helping it become the best golf event on the Asian Tour. Hosting the tournament in Macao is an important part of the city’s position as a world center of tourism and leisure.”

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han commented: “The return of The Venetian Macao as title sponsor is a true testament that the Macao Open is one of the key highlights on the Asian Tour calendar and that it provides a unique platform to showcase the best the city has to offer. Macao is already one of the top destinations in Asia for leisure and business travel, and the Venetian Macao Open plays an important role to showcase Macao’s ability to put on great sporting events. Some of the world’s biggest names in golf have participated here and we look forward to another world-class field this year.”

Grant Slack, IMG Senior Vice President, added: “The Venetian Macao Open is undoubtedly one of the key highlights on Macao’s sporting and social calendar and we are extremely pleased to once again have the opportunity promote this prestigious tournament. IMG is committed to working with the Macao Sport Development Board and The Venetian Macao to continue the growth of the Venetian Macao Open and to showcase Macao as a top Asian destination for leisure and business travel. The tournament will once again be broadcasted live on Asian Tour Media’s global television distribution platform, which will allow millions of viewers across the globe to see the best the magnificent city of Macao has to offer.”

Sponsors joining The Venetian Macao in support of the tournament include Rolex and Bonaqua, as well as first time sponsors Maui Jim and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le Coq Sportif Golf Collection and Munsingwear.

The Venetian Macao Open will once again be a free entry event for golf fans from around the world to enjoy live world class professional golf in one of the best loved destinations for leisure and business travel in Asia.

Since its inauguration in 1998, the tournament has been graced by the presence of some of the best golfers the world has ever seen, including Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam and Mark O’Meara.

For more details on the Venetian Macao Open, please visit www.thevenetianmacauopen.com