This year’s Venetian Macao Open, title-sponsored for the first time by The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel, will be graced by the presence of both former Masters champion Ian Woosnam and Asian Tour all-time great Thongchai Jaidee later this month.

 

Woosnam, who has 48 international victories to his name including the Masters Green Jacket, will make his debut at the US$750,000 Asian Tour tournament at the stunning Macao Golf and Country Club from October 11-14. As he now competes regularly on the European Seniors Tour, the 54-year-old has not lost the knack of winning with four victories on the circuit. He has four top-10s this season, including a tied fifth finish at the French Riviera Masters a fortnight ago.

 

Thongchai, widely regarded as the Asian Tour’s most successful player with his unprecedented three Merit crowns and leader of the Tour’s career earnings list with over US$4 million in winnings, is returning to the tournament for the first time in 11 years.

 

Jointly organised by the Macao Sport Development Board and Golf Association of Macao, the event has hosted many marquee names and Major champions over the years including Vijay Singh, Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Nick Price, Mark O’Meara, Steve Elkington and Fred Couples.

 

Affectionately known as Woosie, one of the many highlights of Woosnam’s stellar career was when he captained Europe to a commanding victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup 2006. No stranger to Asia having played regularly across the region, a highlight being his 1987 Hong Kong Open victory, Woosnam believes he has a good chance at this year’s Venetian Macao Open.

 

“My game is feeling good. I understand the Macao Golf and Country Club rewards precision play which is my strength and I hope to put up a good challenge against the stars from the Asian Tour,” said Woosnam.

 

Thongchai, who finished tied fourth in his last visit to Macao in 2001, is excited about returning to the Coloane course. He said, “I have not played in the Macao Open for a very long time, so I’m really excited to be heading back there. It will be fun to compete in the tournament again and I’m looking forward to trying to win my 14th Asian Tour title in Macao.”

 

Other notable names to challenge for the 2012 Venetian Macao Open include defending champion Chan Yih-shin of Chinese Taipei and two-time Macao Open winner Zhang Lian-wei.

 

The Venetian Macao Open is a free entry event for golf fans to enjoy live professional golf. All four rounds will be beamed live on the Asian Tour’s global television platform which reaches over 200 nations and 650 million homes. For further information on the tournament, please visit www.thevenetianmacauopen.com.