Macau: Wynn has announced a new partnership with The International Series that will bring an elite tournament to the Macau Golf & Country Club next year.

Scheduled to take place from March 14-17, The International Series Macau presented by Wynn marks the region of Macau’s debut on The International Series, a set of 10 elevated events introduced on the Asian Tour through a landmark US$300 million investment with LIV Golf.

Organisers said the high-profile tournament will raise the stakes for golf in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a megalopolis, consisting of nine cities and two special administrative regions in South China. It’s envisioned as an integrated economic area aimed at taking a leading role globally by 2035.

In addition to drawing leading LIV Golf players and Major winners, the event will signify the Asian Tour’s increasing prestige on the global stage, while world-class entertainment and activities will be incorporated into the week-long event at Wynn Palace. 

At a press conference at Wynn Macau to announce the partnership, 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed, 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell and Andy Ogletree, the 2023 International Series Order of Merit champion, hit shots to a floating green from an elevated tee box on the Wynn Macau rooftop.  

Linda Chen, President and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wynn Macau Limited, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the first International Series Macau, part of a new elite tier of sporting events and entertaining offerings in Asia. This golf tournament underscores our commitment to supporting the Macao SAR Government’s ‘1+4’ diversification development strategy, growing the sports industry, and strengthening the city’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.” 

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “The International Series offers a dynamic platform with a proven track record for attracting big names. I would like to express my gratitude to Wynn Macau for allowing us to break new ground in Macau, helping the Asian Tour and LIV Golf continue to develop what is now becoming the highest-level golf tournament series in Asia.”

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour, said: “We are excited The International Series will visit Macau for the first time in 2024. The Tour has visited Macau with regularity over the past two decades and today’s announcement is a tremendous development for golf in Macau’s burgeoning Greater Bay Area. The Asian Tour looks forward to working with Wynn Macau in helping to bring world-class golf to the area.”

Reed said: “Being a worldwide player is something that has always been important to me. It is one of the reasons I joined LIV Golf and why I enjoy playing the International Series events on the Asian Tour. It’s exciting to come to new places to grow the game and to make golf a truly global sport. 

“Macau is a stunning setting and an ideal destination for the International Series. From a player perspective it is a great addition to the calendar where you get to play world-class golf against a quality field while staying at the Wynn Palace, one of the finest luxury resort hotels in Macau.”

McDowell, who currently plays on the LIV Golf League and regularly participates in events on The International Series, said: “Macau has all the makings of a wonderful tournament venue. The hotel is exceptional, and I look forward to playing tournament golf in front of the knowledgeable golf fans of the region. The International Series is a perfect fit for Macau as golf in China continues to develop.”  

Ogletree, a two-time winner on The International Series this season, said: “I have played in many wonderful venues already on The International Series, and from my experience at the Wynn Macau, this is going to be a must-attend tournament next season. 

“There is real demand and great golf here, and this is a market that is only going to grow. Bringing some of the world’s best players next season can only help to cement Macau’s place on the international golfing market.”