venetian.open

Chinaā€™sĀ No. 1Ā golfer, LiangĀ Wen-chongĀ andĀ two-time Macau Open champion Zhang Lian-wei haveĀ confirmed they will compete at next monthā€™s VenetianĀ Macau Open.Ā  The 16th edition of theĀ Venetian Macau Open,Ā one of the highlights of the Asian Tour calendar, will teeĀ off at the majestic Macau Golf and Country Club from OctoberĀ 23 ā€“ 26, 2014 with a record prize fund ofĀ US$900,000.

The Venetian Macau Open is jointlyĀ organised by Macau Sport Development BoardĀ (MSDB) of Macau SAR Government and Golf Association ofĀ Macau.Ā  It is sanctioned by both the Asian Tour and theĀ Golf AssociationĀ Ā of Macau, and promoted by IMG.Ā  The VenetianĀ Macao is the title sponsor of the event for a thirdĀ consecutive year.

The 36 year-old Liang hopes toĀ join Zhang as a champion in Macau after making history inĀ June when he became the first Chinese golfer to play in allĀ four Major Championships when he teed off at the U.S. OpenĀ at Pinehurst.

With a recent runner-up finish inĀ Japan, the Zhongshan native is feeling upbeat ahead of hisĀ appearance at the Venetian Macau Open.Ā 

ā€œI am looking forward toĀ competing at the Venetian Macau Open again,ā€ commentedĀ Liang.Ā  ā€œI performed well at last yearā€™sĀ tournament and I am a big fan of the course. With starĀ players like Ernie Els, MiguelĀ Angel Jimenez, Thongchai Jaidee and Scott Hend confirmedĀ for the event, I am sure the competition will be tough, butĀ IĀ will do my best andĀ get a goodĀ result.ā€

His compatriot,Ā ZhangĀ is a bigĀ supporter of the Venetian Macau Open and has played in everyĀ tournament since theĀ tournamentĀ inauguration inĀ 1998. He missed the 2003 edition because of injury. WithĀ fiveĀ Asian Tour victories to his name, the Asian Tour veteran isĀ also the only player to win consecutive titles in Macau,Ā claiming victory in 2001 and 2002. He hopes to add to thatĀ tally this year:Ā 

ā€œEvery year, I am excited toĀ play at the Venetian Macau Open where I have been able toĀ play well over the years.Ā  My back-to-back victoriesĀ there are important in myĀ professional career.Ā  Since it started, the tournamentĀ has grown and attracted players from all over theĀ world.Ā  This year weā€™ve got great field soĀ itā€™s going to be a tough tournament. I look forward toĀ competing with them and I believe this year will be anotherĀ fantastic tournament.ā€

Last year, Zhang invited YangĀ Zi-hao, winner of the 2013 Zhang Lian-wei Youth Cup to playĀ at the Venetian Macau Open. Jiang Zhijie, the 16 year-oldĀ winner of this yearā€™sĀ Youth Cup, will join Zhang in Macau which will be aĀ wonderful opportunity for
him to develop hisĀ skills and confidence in preparation to join theĀ professional ranks.Ā  The Venetian MacauĀ Open has been championed as a leading opportunity for youngĀ players to showcase their talents as well as being anĀ effective platform for promoting golf in China.Ā 

Jose Tavares, President of theĀ Macau Sport Development Board (MSDB), co-organisers of the event along with the Golf
Association of Macau, commented:Ā  ā€œMr.Ā Zhangā€™s support for the next generation players isĀ exemplary, making this Venetian Macau OpenĀ a premier sportsĀ event for our city. We are honored to have a number ofĀ global stars gracing our course this year includingĀ four-time Major champion Ernie Els, Thai star ThongchaiĀ Jaidee, defending champion Scott Hend,Ā China golfer Liang Wen-chong, along with Miguel AngelĀ JimĆ©nez who is making his first appearance in theĀ tournament. There is no better opportunity to showcaseĀ Macauā€™s world-class event hosting capability toĀ audiences around the world.ā€

Olaf Gueldner, Senior ViceĀ President and Chief Marketing OfficerĀ of Sands China Ltd. commented:Ā ā€œWe are delighted to see many old friends, familiarĀ and new faces on the golf course every year, a testament toĀ the VenetianĀ Macau Openā€™s appeal. As a top tourist destination inĀ Asia, Macau embodies the best of sports, entertainment andĀ business. We are committed to delivering the best tournamentĀ experience for the players and guests. We look forward toĀ welcoming all players, fansĀ and officials back to the Venetian MacauĀ Open!ā€

Entry to the Venetian Macau OpenĀ is free to allow golf fans from around the region the chanceĀ to enjoy live, world class golf by Els and many leadingĀ Asian Tour players, in one of the best loved destinationsĀ for leisure and entertainment travel in Asia.

Since its inauguration in 1998,Ā the tournament has been graced many of the best golfersĀ around the world, including Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie,Ā Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Fred Couples, Ian WoosnamĀ and Mark Oā€™Meara. This yearā€™s event boasts aĀ total prize fund of US$900,000, an increase of 12.5%Ā compared to last year.

Sponsors joining The VenetianĀ Macao in support of the tournament include Rolex,Ā Lamborghini, Air Macau, Blue Girl, Bonaqua, Twinwoods Wine,Ā Srixon and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le CoqĀ SportifĀ Ā Golf Collection and Munsingwear.

- Advertisement -