Golf takes centre stage this month as some of the region's best players take to the fairways at the Venetian Macao Open for total prize money of US$1 million
With a size of just 30 square kilometres and one of the highest population density ratings in the world, Macau is probably one of the last cities that you would expect to find an 18-hole golf course. Yet amazingly, the city has not one, but two golf courses: the 175-acre Caesars Golf Macau on the southernmost end of Cotai, and the Macau Golf and Country Club perched on the side of the South China Sea on Coloane Island.
Since 1998, the latter has been home to the Macao Open golf tournament, which has attracted a host of world-class golfers, coming to battle it out on the picturesque but often windy and therefore very challenging course.
Some of the big names at the tournament over the years have included Lee Westwood (winner in 1999), Colin Montgomerie (winner in 2003), Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Mark O’Meara, Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Ian Woosnam, Scott Hend (winner in 2013), Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Chinese stars Zhang Lian Wei and Liang Wen Chong.
In 2010, the tournament was not held and for a while its future was in doubt, but it returned the following year and in 2012 found a new title sponsor in The Venetian Macao.
Today, the tournament is one of the most prestigious in the region, and this year the prize money has increased for the third year in a row, reaching the all-important US$1 million mark for the first time, making it one of the most lucrative tournaments on the Asian Tour calendar.
“In order to remain competitive and attract the top names in golf to come to Macau, it is necessary to continue to raise the bar when it comes to prize money,” notes Scott Messinger, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Sands China Ltd. “Professional golfers are now in hot demand to play in one of the many golf tournaments around the world, so it is vital that we attract the best in their field, as well as being able to give up-and-coming golfers a chance to compete in a top-class event.”
“We have worked very closely with IMG and the Macau Sport Development Board over the past three years and continue to do so for this year’s event to bring new and exciting players to the Venetian Macao Open, as well as providing an opportunity to showcase up-and-coming young golfers,” he adds.
And the strategy seems to be working. One of the greats of the game, four-time Major Champion Ernie Els has competed for the past two years and is returning again for his third consecutive year to see if he can finally take the top spot.
Last year’s winner, Indian golfing star Anirban Lahiri has confirmed he will return to defend his title. And 2013 champion, and six-time Asian Tour winner Scott Hend will be back after narrowly missing out on victory last year.
“Macau is definitely a popular stop among the players and many top pros return year after year,” says Grant Slack, Senior Vice President, Head of Golf Events, at IMG, one of the tournament organizers. “Exemption spots of this tournament are most sought after too amongst the players from the professional tours.”
José Tavares, President of Macao Sport Development Board of Macao SAR Government (MSDB) is also happy with the return of the three fan favourites:
“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 Macau is something we can’t wait for and we look forward to hosting them once again this year.”
This year’s Venetian Macao Open will also see the return of one of the events most loyal supporters, Chinese golf champion Zhang Lian Wei. Zhang is the only player to have won the Macao Open twice and has played in an impressive 15 of the 16 tournaments, missing only one year due to injury.
Some exciting new Chinese golf talent will also be represented. Teenage sensation Guan Tian Lang holds the record for being the youngest player ever to play and make the cut at The Masters, which he did in 2013 at just 14 years of age. He will make his Macau debut along with 23-year-old rising Taiwanese star CT Pan, who turned professional earlier this year. In July, in just his fourth start as a professional, Pan claimed his first Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada victory at The Players Cup at Pine Ridge Golf Club.
“In terms of who might have an advantage, it is hard to say. Of course, those who have played the tournament before may know a few bounces here and there but I think whoever goes for it and is not afraid to lose will have an edge,” predicts IMG’s Grant Slack, who is also particularly pleased to see last year’s champion returning to defend his title.
“Anirban has been playing so well and achieved some amazing results over the past 12 months culminating in him earning a spot in the Presidents Cup. He has a lot of fans from around the world, including Hong Kong and Macau, and no doubt his presence will boost attendance at the event.”
“In addition, he is a super friendly guy, extremely popular with fellow players and fans alike. His confirmation to return to defend his title shows how important the Venetian Macao Open is to a world-class professional golfer.”
Slack adds that as well as the action on the fairways, there will also be plenty for fans and their families to do on the sidelines as well.
“This year, there will be on-site activities for all the family to enjoy so we are looking forward to welcoming more guests to the Macau Golf & Country Club than ever before,” he explains. “We are looking to involve more members of the local public, as well as fans from nearby regions like Hong Kong and southern China, so we have organised a number of fun activities on-site for people of all ages to enjoy, from a wine tasting session on the Saturday of the tournament and a family zone with games, as well as face painting and magic for children throughout the week. Of course, there will be a few free golf clinics too.”
Scott Messinger of Sands China Ltd also sees the Venetian’s sponsorship of the tournament as an opportunity to reach out to the broader community.
“One of the main benefits of supporting the Venetian Macao Open is that we are able to share these events with local charities as well as being able to offer our Team Members the chance to see these athletes and celebrities up close and personal,” he says.
“In addition we also have them participate in our local community program – Sands Community Care. A good example of this is the Venetian Macao Open golf clinics that are held in conjunction with the Healthy Athletes program of the Macau Special Olympics.”
The tournament has certainly grown in size and prestige over the years, particularly since The Venetian took on the role of title sponsor. This year’s event sees 124 players from the Asian Tour teeing off. But does the recent downturn in the gaming industry pose a threat to the future of the tournament, particularly given the importance of the prize money?
“Macau’s goal, as well as Sands China Ltd.’s, has always been to diversify and become the region’s top destination for leisure and business travel,” notes Messinger. “Sporting events like the Venetian Macao Open are very important to achieving that goal, and in these more challenging times, sporting events take on perhaps a sharper focus and role. Events of this nature help drive visitation to our hotels and resorts.”
Grant Slack of IMG is also positive about the tournament’s future and sees it as an important part of the city’s continuing diversification.
“Macau is growing all the time and it is now known as one of the world’s top travel destinations. Its hospitality and entertainment offerings are unparalleled and what it offers goes hand-in-hand with the golf because it is able to take care of the players and fans alike outside of the tournament. With so much going on in Macau all the time, the city is never short on tourists, who are always looking for something different to do, and the Venetian Macao Open is able to provide just that.”
