Macao, 31 July 2013: Multiple major winner Ernie Els has confirmed his participation at the 2013 Venetian Macao Open at the Macao Golf and Country Club from 17 to 20 October.

One of only six golfers to have won twice at both the US Open (1994, 1997) and The Open Championship (2002, 2012), Els will look to carry his recent good form, which included a win at the BMW International Open and soild finishes at the last two majors to Macao’s most iconic sporting event.  A win at the 2013 Venetian Macao Open will put the South African legend alongside a distinguished list of international stars such as Lee Westwood and Colin Montgomerie, who have each been crowned champion at the prestigious Asian Tour tournament.

Known as ‘The Big Easy’ due to his relaxed demeanour and fluid golf swing, Els boasts a phenomenal 70 professional career wins around the world, including two in Asian Tour (2005 BMW Asian Open in China and 2005 Qatar Masters). Despite being a regular visitor to Asia, the South African has never been to Macao and is relishing the prospect of competing this year.

“I am excited to be playing in Macao. I have never been there before but have heard many good things about the tournament as well as the city itself. The Venetian Macao is known for its world class hospitality and entertainment and I have no doubt it will be a fantastic week on and off the course.”

“I like Asia and have enjoyed playing in this part of the world over the years. This spring, I was in Indonesia and Thailand and played well at both tournaments. The Venetian Macao Open is one of the most prestigious events on the Asian Tour, and I hope I will be holding the famous trophy aloft come Sunday,” Els, who recently accepted an invitation to become an Honorary Member and International Ambassador of the Asian Tour, added.

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. Following a successful foray into the world of golf last year, The Venetian^® Macao-Resort-Hotel recently announced it will return as title sponsor of the event for a second successive year.

José Tavares, Acting President of MSDB, is delighted with Els’ participation at this year’s Venetian Macao Open: “We are honoured to welcome Mr Ernie Els to Macao this October. Being a legend that he is in the world of golf, we are delighted he has chosen to include our tournament in his playing schedule. We look forward to showcasing this great champion all that Macao has to offer and no doubt fans from nearby cities will also travel in to watch the crowd favourite, boosting our tourism.”

Charles Lo, President of the Golf Association of Macao, added, “Ernie Els is a true champion who is well respected around the world with a graceful style and classy attitude. Aspiring young golfers can learn a lot from Ernie’s behaviour both on and off the course. and I hope our upcoming players will take advantage of this opportunity to learn from the great man.”

Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd, believes the participation of Els at the Venetian Macao Open will help generate additional buzz for the tournament and the city of Macao itself: “Ernie Els is a living legend who is well known around the world. His presence at this year’s tournament will no doubt attract locals and fans from overseas to come to watch him play and at the same time, experience Macao’s array of hospitality and entertainment.  Having a global star such as Ernie here further enhances Macao’s reputation as a top destination in Asia for sport, leisure and business travel.”

Grant Slack, IMG Senior Vice President added, “Over the past 16 years, the Macao Open has evolved into one of the city’s premier annual sporting events. IMG has been involved with the tournament since 2011 and every year, the assembled field has been top class. The participation of Ernie Els is a true testament to where the Venetian Macao Open is at in terms of prestige and competition quality,”

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: “We look forward to Ernie’s participation in the Venetian Macao Open as it will be the first tournament that he will compete on the Asian Tour after accepting our invitation to become our Honorary Member and International Ambassador. His presence in Macao will be an inspiration to many players.”

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. This year’s event boasts a total prize fund of US$800,000, an increase of 6.25% compared to last year.

Sponsors joining The Venetian Macao in support of the tournament include Rolex, Srixon, Air Macao, Blue Girl and Bonaqua, as well as first time sponsors Lamborghini, Maui Jim, Subway, Hytera and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le Coq Sportif Golf Collection and Munsingwear. Els’ own wine business – Ernie Els Wine – is the Official Wine Sponsor of the 2013 tournament.

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