Macao: Four-time Major champion Ernie Els and six-time Asian Tour winner Scott Hend have confirmed their return to the Macau Golf & Country Club to compete for the US$1 million Venetian Macao Open title from October 15-18.
South African Els finished tied 26th in the former Portuguese enclave last year after recording a share of third place on his debut in 2013.
“I am looking forward to playing at the Venetian Macao Open for the third time, which is now a regular stop on my fall schedule. The course is in great condition and the weather is always pleasant during that time of year so it tends to bring out the best in a lot of golfers, myself included.
“I have been practising well and I stand a great chance to bring the trophy back to South Africa for the first time,” said the 45-year-old, an Honorary Member and International Ambassador of the Asian Tour.
Hend won the Macao title in 2013 and came close to repeating that feat a year later. The 42-year-old Australian won by three shots over current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Anirban Lahiri two years ago, but was dethroned by the same player after a nail-biting final-day shootout last season.
Lahiri, on a high after his tied fifth finish at this month’s PGA Championship, had already confirmed his title defence.
Hend, who has had four top-10 finishes this season, said: “I was close to defending my title last year, but I couldn’t close it out. All credit to Anirban though, as he held his nerve and completed the job. I am glad to have the opportunity again this year to have another crack at the title.”
The 17th edition of the tournament is being organised by the Macao Sport Development Board of Macao SAR Government (MSDB) and the Golf Association of Macau, sanctioned by the latter and the Asian Tour and with The Venetian Macao as title sponsor for the fourth successive year.
José Tavares, President of the MSDB, said: “Ernie, Anirban and Scott have provided us with so much excitement over the last few years, and helped put the Venetian Macao Open on the world stage in terms of sporting events. The buzz they create as a result of their battles on the course here in Macao is something we can’t wait for and we look forward to hosting them once again this year.”
Dave Horton, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corporation and Sands China Ltd, said: “We are continuing our support for the Venetian Macao Open because we believe it has an important role to play in promoting Macao as a top destination for both leisure and business travel. Macao is internationally renowned for its array of entertainment and hospitality offerings, and we are proud to be at the heart of one of the city’s most iconic annual events.”
The tournament is promoted by IMG, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.