Macao, 16 October 2013: The 15^th edition of the Venetian Macao Open, one of the highlights on the Asian Tour, will see six of its 13 former champions return to Macao this week to compete for the coveted title. Teeing off tomorrow at the picturesque Macao Golf and Country Club, the championship will also welcome four-time Masters champion, South Africa’s Ernie Els, who is participating at the tournament for the very first time.

India’s number one Bhullar was impressive in a commanding start-to-finish victory 12 months ago and is confident of his chances to win the title again. A successful defence will make him only the second golfer to take the Macao Open crown on more than one occasion. China’s Zhang Lian-wei was the winner in 2001 and 2002. Other past champions confirmed to join Bhullar and Zhang on the fairways of the Macao Golf and Country Club include Jason Knutzon (2004), Kane Webber (2006), David Gleeson (2008), Thaworn Wiratchant (2009) and Chan Yih-shin (2011):

“The Venetian Macao Open is one of the best managed events in Asia so I am not surprised that the players keep coming back. I for one really enjoy Macao and obviously my liking of the place is helped by the fact I won the tournament last year. Although I have yet to be in the winner’s circle this year, I feel I have been solid and consistent all season and nothing will please me more than to defend my Venetian Macao Open title. The competition will be fierce and competitive, but I am ready for the challenge.”

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 has returned as title sponsor of the event.

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. This year’s event boasts a total prize fund of US$800,000, an increase of 6.7% 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, Twinwoods and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le Coq Sportif Golf Collection and Munsingwear.

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