Macao, August 16, 2012 - The Macau Open, jointly organised by Macau Sport Development Board of Macau SAR Government (MSDB) and Golf Association of Macau, will be held from October 11 to 14. This year, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel will sign up as the new Title Sponsor.
The Venetian Macao will write a new chapter in the colourful history of the tournament by embarking on its first sponsorship foray in professional golf which is set to escalate the Venetian Macau Open to greater heights.
The Venetian Macau Open will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Macao Golf Association, and promoted by IMG.
Since the inauguration of the Macau Open in 1998, the tournament has attracted world-class names. The list of champions include the likes of European stars Lee Westwood of England and Scotsman Colin Montgomerie, while other top stars who have graced the fairways of Macau Golf and Country Club include Vijay Singh of Fiji, England's Nick Faldo, Ireland's Padraig Harrington and American duo Fred Couples and Mark O'Meara - all Major winners.
This year's Venetian Macau Open will be staged at the Macau Golf and Country Club with a total prize pool of US$750,000. All four rounds will be beamed live on the Asian Tour's global television platform which reaches over 200 nations and 650 million homes.
Title holder Chan Yih-shin of Chinese Taipei and two-time Macau Open champion Zhang Lian-wei of China have committed to this year's championship. Organisers said other big-name international players will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Vong Iao Lek, President of the Macau Sport Development Board, said, "Since the inauguration of the Macau Open in 1998, international stars and leading Asian players have converged to compete in what is now one of Macau's most iconic and eagerly anticipated annual events. We have had a long-term, wonderful working relationship with the Macau Golf Association over this tournament and it is our hope for this to continue for many years to come as we build Macau into a top class destination for business, sport and leisure.
"The involvement of The Venetian Macao as the tournament's title sponsor will have a very positive effect on the development of The Venetian Macau Open and we look forward to making this year's championship a very successful one."
Mr Vong added, "We also like to thank IMG, which played a vital part in putting this fantastic event back onto the Asian Tour calendar. It is because of their efforts that the Macau Open now enjoys more prize money than it has ever done in the history of the tournament, and we look forward to benefiting again this year of its expertise and knowledge in the golfing world."
"We are honoured to take up the title sponsorship of this prestigious championship of the Asian Tour, the Venetian Macau Open," said Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd.
"Through our association with great sporting events, we will continue to provide quality entertainment and sporting extravaganzas in Macau for everyone's enjoyment; but more importantly, it will promote Macau as a world centre of tourism and leisure."
He added, "This title sponsorship is truly significant for The Venetian Macao as it is the first time we are involved with the Asian Tour, which continues to lead and grow the sport across Asia. We are committed to growing The Venetian Macau Open and continuing the tradition of this tournament as one of the most exciting events in Macau."
The title sponsorship of Macau's flagship professional golf tournament is part of The Venetian Macao's long-term vision to establish Macau as Asia's number one destination for business, leisure and entertainment.
Asian Tour Chief Executive Officer Mike Kerr said, "We are delighted to welcome The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel as our title sponsor of the Venetian Macau Open. It is wonderful that The Venetian Macao has committed to this highly popular tournament which will ensure its further success on the Asian Tour.
"The Venetian Macao understands the value that the Asian Tour can offer through our authentic platform and this sponsorship reinforces the growth for the game in Asia. We will work closely with The Venetian Macao and MSDB to ensure the Venetian Macau Open steps into a new and exciting era."
Grant Slack, Senior Vice President, IMG Golf, Asia Pacific, said, "We are delighted to be a part of the Macau Open for the second year in a row. This prestigious tournament has developed a remarkable legacy in the past decade and it is an iconic annual sporting event that the people of Macau are so proud of. The tournament is delighted to have a new title sponsor this year - The Venetian Macao, which draws international attention through its array of top class entertainment offerings and unparalleled hospitality. The Venetian Macao shares our vision, and that of the Macau Sport Development Board, to grow this tournament into one of Asia's finest and in tandem let the world know Macau is a top tourism destination in Asia, delivering the most memorable and exciting experience for all visitors who come through the city."
He continued, "IMG Media and Asian Tour have a joint venture to manage the production and distribution of the Asian Tour television programmes and we are committed to deliver a high-quality live production for all four tournament days of the event. The Venetian Macao Open will be broadcasted globally on the Asian Tour Media's extensive television platforms across Asia, Europe, the Golf Channel, Fox Sports in Australia plus numerous others reaching a combined total of 200 countries and over 650 million homes worldwide."
"This coverage, supported by the Event Highlights which is also broadcast on Eurosport Asia and within Golfing World, plus the Asian Tour's weekly magazine show, will help showcase Macau and what it has to offer both on and off the course. This excellent TV distribution platform will also help ensure that The Venetian Macao receives global exposure and maximises on its return of investment with the event.
"We certainly look forward to working with The Venetian Macao, MSDB, Macau Golf Association, MGCC and the other tournament partners to deliver a fantastic Championship."
Photo caption : VIPs, led by Mr Vong Iao Lek, President of the Macau Sport Development Board (centre), pose for pictures at the Venetian Macau Open press conference, which announced the Venetian Macau's title sponsorship of the tournament.
Photo caption: Mr Vong Iao Lek, President of Macau Sport Development Board (third from right) and Mr Charles Lo, President of the Golf Association of Macau (second from left), present a golf club autographed by Mr Zhang Lianwei (second from right), two-time winner of the Macau Open, to Mr Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd. (third from left), which is title sponsoring the Venetian Macau Open for the first time. In return, Mr Tracy presented each of the three guests with a Venetian mask, handmade in Venice.
Photo caption: Mr Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sands China Ltd. (second from left), title sponsor of the Venetian Macau Open, pose for photographers with the Venetian Macau Open trophy with Mr Vong Iao Lek (second from right), President of Macau Sport Development Board, Mr Charles Lo, President of the Golf Association of Macau (far left), and two-time Macau Open champion Zhang Lianwei (far right).
Photo caption: Mr Zhang Lianwei, two-time winner of the Macau Open, confirmed his participation at the 2012 Venetian Macau Open, which is being title sponsored by the Venetian Macao for the first time.
About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
Founded in 2007, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao's first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat CotaiArena designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; MALO Clinic Health & Wellness; the incredibly fun Qube indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes Grand Canal. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts), Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), Cityneon (Official Event Overlay Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner) and Srixon (Official Ball). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.