Macao, China: After a six-year absence, the Macao Open will make a welcome return to the Asian Tour schedule in 2023.

To be staged at the Macau Golf and Country Club from October 12-15, the 20th edition of the US$1 million event will be sponsored by SJM Resorts, SA (SJM).

SJM, a leading owner, operator and developer of premium integrated entertainment resorts in Macao, is confirmed as the title sponsor for the next three editions with the SJM Macao Open benefiting from the support and endorsement of the Sports Bureau of Macao and the Macao Golf Association. 

It will be the first time the tournament has featured on the schedule since 2017 when Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar emerged triumphant.

Cho Minn Thant, CEO and Commissioner of the Asian Tour, said: “We are delighted to welcome back this important Asian Tour event to our schedule and are very grateful for the support of the Sports Bureau of Macao, SJM, the Macao Golf Association and our partners IMG for their work in reinstating this tournament.

“Historically it has been a very popular event amongst our players and I know this will be very welcome news for all.”

Pun Weng Kun, President, Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government, said: “Bringing back this long-running golf tournament to Macao has been an important priority and we are very happy to be able to support the return of this international event.

“Sport for All is a very important Government initiative and the health benefits of golf are undeniable so we hope that the return of the SJM Macao Open to the island will serve as inspiration to our residents and be enjoyed by all.”

Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, added: “SJM is committed to bringing Macao onto the world stage by hosting international sporting events. We are very proud to be the title sponsor of the SJM Macao Open, through which we will contribute to enhancing Macao’s profile as an energetic sports city and showcasing our all-rounded strength as a top-notch destination.

“As a major supporter of ‘sports + tourism’, we aim to elevate Macao’s brand as a world centre of tourism and leisure, boost international arrivals and bring economic benefits to the community.”

Charles Lo, President of Macao Golf Association, said: “Reinstating our national Open has been a very high priority for us so we are thrilled to be part of this announcement and very thankful to all the partners who have helped make this happen.

“We very much look forward to welcoming everyone to the SJM Macao Open later this year.”

Grant Slack, EVP & Managing Director, Golf Events, IMG, said: “Over the years this tournament has hosted many of the world’s best golfers at the Macau Golf & Country Club. Together with the Asian Tour, MSB, SJM and the Macao Golf Association, we are pleased to play a part in returning this important event to Macao and we are already underway with our preparations for its October return.”

Boasting stunning views of the South China Sea, the Macau Golf and Country Club, a business unit of SJM’s parent company Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau, SA (STDM), has staged every edition of the Macao Open.

An impressive roster of global stars has competed in Macao over the years including Major winners Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Darren Clarke, John Daly, Padraig Harrington, Vijay Singh and Nick Price, as well as prolific international winners Miguel-Angel Jimenez, Branden Grace, Ian Poulter and Thongchai Jaidee.

Past winners include Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie and China’s Liang Wenchong and two-time winner Zhang Lianwei.