LEADING STARS READY TO CHALLENGE FOR SJM MACAO OPEN TITLE
The stage is set for an exciting week of golf as the top stars of the SJM Macao Open 2024 prepare to battle for the prestigious title at the Macau Golf & Country Club from 10 to 13 October 2024. With a strong field of contenders, this year’s tournament promises thrilling competition and world-class performances. Today, Mr. Luis Gomes, President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. Grant Slack, EVP & Managing Director, Golf Events of IMG; Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM; Mr. David Rollo, Chief Operating Officer of the Asian Tour; and Mr. Johnny Senna Fernandes, President of the Golf Association of Macau, showed their support for the event by appearing at the golf course.
Defending champion Min Woo Lee, who set a tournament record with a 30-under-par score last year, is eager to return to the course and defend his title: “I’m very happy. It’s always nice to come back to a course that you play well in. I’m very excited for the week.”
Lee is focused on keeping the trophy in his hands, but he knows he’ll be coming up against stiff competition: “I’ve got some good players next to me, and hopefully, it turns out to be a good week.”
Among the serious challengers this week is John Catlin, the current leader of the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Catlin, who already secured a win at the Macau Golf & Country Club in March, is looking forward to the challenge ahead: “It’s always nice coming back to a course where you’ve had success, and I’m looking forward to the week. It’s going to be a good challenge. I think there’s been a few changes since Min Woo’s last saw it, so it was nice to at least have played it and seen some of those changes. I’m looking forward to the week. It’s going to be a great challenge, and there are so many great players, so hopefully, we can all be in there with a chance Sunday afternoon.”
Making his debut in the SJM Macao Open is world No. 23 and 2023 Open Champion Brian Harman. Harman shared his enthusiasm about competing in Macao: “I’m super excited to be here. I’ve never been to Macao. It’s nice being able to use some success to travel the world and showcase my talents all over the place, so I’m excited to be here.”
Two-time Macao Open winner Scott Hend will be aiming for a historic third title, though he acknowledges it will be difficult as he isn’t at peak fitness or form: “It’s great to come back to a place that you’ve had success at, but my game and my health aren’t not a hundred per cent, so I’ll just do the best I can and see if I get lucky at the end of the week. That’s all I can do – go out and look after myself and follow the old cliche, one foot in front of the other. Hopefully, that’s good enough.”
Phachara Khongwatmai, the Thai star who finished third last year with a 20-under-par score, has fond memories of Macao and is eager to perform well again: “Macao is my favourite place to visit. I’m always happy here, and I enjoy Macao. Hopefully, this year, I’ll get the chance to be on top of the leaderboard.”
This year’s tournament holds special significance, coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of the Founding ofthe People’s Republic of China and the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR. As Macao continues to grow its global sporting presence, the SJM Macao Open stands out as one of the most anticipated events on the Asian golfing calendar.
Earlier today, tournament VIPs gathered at the Macau Golf & Country Club to welcome international stars Min Woo Lee and Brian Harman, alongside top Greater Bay Area talents, including Ye Wo-Cheng, Ngai Si, and local tournament qualifier Michael Wong.
Fans can witness all the action at the SJM Macao Open 2024 live for free this week, with the opportunity to register for up to 10 tickets each. In addition to the thrilling golf action, attendees can look forward to an exciting fan village featuring several food and beverage options, as well as putting and chipping challenges for all ages. For more information and to secure your tickets, please visit www.sjmmacaoopen.com.
