The 16^th edition of the Venetian Macao Open, one of the highlights on the Asian Tour, will tee off on Thursday at the picturesque Macao Golf and Country Club.  The tournament boasts a field of former champions, including last year’s victor, Scott Hend, fresh from his thrilling Hong Kong Open triumph last week, alongside four-time Major winner, Ernie Els, and the evergreen Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiménez.

The Venetian Macao Open is jointly organised by Macao Sport Development Board of Macao SAR Government (MSDB) and Golf Association of Macao.  It is sanctioned by both the Asian Tour and the Golf Association of Macao, and promoted by IMG.  The Venetian Macao^® is the title sponsor of the event for a third successive year. This year’s event boasts a total prize fund of US$900,000, an increase of 12.5% compared to last year.

“We’re extremely excited about this year’s Venetian Macao Open,” commented José Tavares, President of MSDB.  “We’ve got another great field together and its wonderful to see Miguel here for the first time alongside one of the all-time greats, Ernie Els.  Scott Hend is obviously in great form and it would be teriffic to see him defend his title.  Liang Wen-chong, Thongchai Jaidee, the three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner and Zhang Lian-wei, the last player to successfully defend the Macao Open title, are also playing.”

“The tournament continues to grow in popularity and scale, as evidencd by this year’s increased prize purse and we’re extremely fortunate to have such committed and generous partners lead by the Venetian Macao.  We thank them for their magnificent support,” concluded Mr Tavares.

“This is the third year that The Venetian Macao is title sponsor of the Macao Open; and this is something that we are very proud of.” said Mr. Gunther Hatt, Executive Vice President of Operations of Sands China Ltd., “Hosting the Venetian Macao Open is part of Sands China’s entertainment and diversification strategy. When we host a high-profile event like the Venetian Macao Open, Macao benefits from the global media coverage, and this helps raise Macao’s profile as a world centre of tourism and leisure.”

Hend, who overcame a brave Angelo Que in another dramatic Hong Kong Open play-off to take the coveted title, is riding a wave of confidence as he heads for Macao;

“I couldn’t have asked for a better lead up to my Venetian Macao Open title defence,” said the burly Australian.  “Last year I came to Macao off the back of a win in Taiwan and a solid performance in Korea.  That worked out pretty well for me!  The Hong Kong win is my first this season and I’d absolutely love to go back to back with another win in Macao.”

Ernie Els, the half-way leader in Hong Kong last week, finished third in his debut Venetian Macao Open in 2013 and is hoping to get the better of Hend this time around.

“Every time Scott and I are in the same field, he seems to win!” commented Els. “Hopefully I can end that streak this week and get the win myself.”

“I’m thrilled to be back in Macao. I really enjoyed my week last year,” continued Els. “ I got an amazing welcome to the city, I played well, the hospitality was first class and I experienced first hand some of the world-class entertainment on offer. Macao is a phenomenal place that has to be seen to be believed!”

Jiménez endured a disappointing defence of his Hong Kong Open crown, having been struck down with a stomach bug on the opening day of the tournament.  The ever-popular Spaniard was a vice-captain in Paul McGinley’s victorious European Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles in September of this year and despite being a familiar face across the region, 2014 will be his debut appearance at the Venetian Macao Open. 

Looking forward to the start of his Macao tournament, Jiménez commented, “I have always enjoyed competing in Asia and played pretty well in the region.  The climate, culture and courses seem to suit me. I have heard lots of great comments from other players about the Venetian Macao Open - the beautiful course and the vibrant city. I can’t wait to experience it all in person.”

China’s Zhang Lian-wei, Macao Open champion in 2001 and 2002, is also on the field for this week. Other past champions confirmed to join Hend and Zhang include Jason Knutzon (2004), Kane Webber (2006), David Gleeson (2008), Thaworn Wiratchant (2009), Chan Yih-shin (2011) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (2012).

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.

Sponsors joining The Venetian Macao in support of the tournament include Rolex, Lamborghini, Air Macao, Blue Girl, Bonaqua, Twinwoods Wine, Srixon 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