SJM Macao Open 2025 Set for October, Headlined by International Stars Lee Westwood and Sungjae Im

Jointly organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (MSB), title sponsor SJM Resorts, S.A. (SJM) and IMG, co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Macau Golf Association, the SJM Macao Open 2025 is staged once again in Macao with a star-studded line-up from 16-19 October at the scenic Macau Golf & Country Club. This year’s edition, featuring a prize purse of USD 1 million, promises to be a classic, with former world number one Lee Westwood and South Korean PGA Tour player Sungjae Im leading the field.

A press conference was held today to announce the details of the SJM Macao Open 2025. Guests of honour attending the event included Ms. See Lei, Acting Vice President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. Mok Chi Hang, Acting Vice President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. David Shum, Director of SJM Resorts, S.A.; Ms. Jasmine Lim, Vice President of Global Partnerships, IMG Golf; Mr. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of Asian Tour; Mr. Johnny Senna Fernandes, President of the Macau Golf Association; legendary Chinese golfer Mr. Liang Wenchong; local Macao player Mr. Kelvin Si Ngai; and General Manager of Macau Golf & Country Club, Mr. Eddie Li.

Englishman Westwood, who won the Macao Open in 1999, said: “I am thrilled to be playing at the SJM Macao Open this October. I have fond memories from my win here 26 years ago. The course always brings out the best in me, and I am looking forward to performing well this year and hopefully bringing home a second Macao Open crown.”

Korean star golfer Sungjae Im, who is a two-time winner on the PGA Tour and has had three Presidents Cup appearances, is playing in Macao for the very first time. He said: “I am excited to be part of a very competitive field at the SJM Macao Open this year. I have heard excellent things about the SJM Macao Open and the city. Fellow players have told me about the beautiful but challenging course at Macau Golf & Country Club and I cannot wait to make my first trip to Macao a successful and enjoyable one.”

Ms. See Lei, Acting Vice President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, said: “Since its inception in 1998, the Macao Open has grown to become a hallmark championship on the Asian Tour, and an event that has come to epitomise Macao's capability to host major international sporting events. The Sports Bureau will continue its mission to advance the development of Macao’s sports culture, and to ensure that visitors from around the world who come to watch some of the world’s top golfers receive the best experiences both on and off the course. Leveraging the unique synergy between sports and tourism, we aim to attract athletes and tourists to Macao through this sporting platform, and to bolster Macao's reputation as a global center of tourism and leisure.”

Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM commented: “SJM has long been a dedicated supporter of both national and local sports development, and we remain firmly committed to advancing the integration of ‘Sports + Tourism’ in Macao. In 2023, we proudly assumed the title sponsorship of the Macao Open, supporting its revival through a three-year partnership. Over the past two editions, we have worked closely with the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, IMG, the Asian Tour, and the Macau Golf Association to elevate the tournament and bring new vitality. Today, we are pleased to announce that, building on this strong foundation, we will be extending our collaboration for two further additions, continuing our shared efforts to support the long-term development of golf in Macao.”

Mr. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour added: “The SJM Macao Open is one of the premier events on the Asian Tour – boasting an outstanding reputation. The tournament was launched in the late 1990s and has been ever present on our schedule since. Our relationship is now set to continue further following today’s wonderful news that SJM has extended the partnership for two more years. We are truly grateful to them, the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Macau Golf Association, IMG, and all the event partners.”

Joining Westwood and Im in the 144-player field to challenge for the coveted title will be defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan, who delivered a wire-to-wire victory in 2024 to claim his second Asian Tour title. The 30-year-old Wannasrichan will look to emulate the achievement of Chinese golf pioneer Zhang Lianwei by successfully defending his title.

“I am delighted to announce my return to the SJM Macao Open. The tournament is one of my favorite weeks on the golfing calendar, and I am even more excited to be returning as the defending champion and to perform in front of the fans in Macao in October,” added Wannasrichan. 

Legendary Chinese golfer, Liang Wenchong, whose mentor was Zhang as he transitioned onto the professional tour, eventually becoming the first Chinese player to reach the world’s top 100 and the first Chinese player to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit. He said:

“I have played the Macao Open a number of times over the last two decades. There’s something about the course and the city that makes me want to return. I love that everything is close by and convenient in Macao, and hospitality for the players is always world-class.”

Fans can also look forward to cheering on homegrown hopeful and six-time Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship participant, Kelvin Si Ngai, at this year’s open. The 22-year-old added: “The SJM Macao Open always features a highly competitive field, and competing in my city allows me to test where my game’s at against world class professionals. I hope to bring my best and give the home crowd something to cheer about.”

The SJM Macao Open Qualifier returns on 8 September at the Macau Golf & Country Club. First introduced last year, the qualifier aims to provide more opportunities and pathways for rising stars in the Greater Bay Area, by competing for spots into the main draw.  

Building on its commitment to support the local community, the SJM Macao Open 2025 will aim to bring golf into Macao’s neighborhoods by sharing the joy and excitement of the sport with people from all walks of life and reaching an even wider audience.

“The SJM Macao Open is a catalyst for the growth and development of golf in Macao. Together with the golf community, we continue to advance the development of Macao’s sport and golf culture,  striving to elevate the overall competitive level of Macao’s growing number of current and aspiring golfers.” commented Mr. Johnny Senna Fernandes, President of the Macau Golf Association..

Grant Slack, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, IMG Golf, said: “As one of Asia’s longest-running professional golf tournaments, the SJM Macao Open consistently delivers spectacular action on the course, and exceptional hospitality off it. IMG remains committed to working closely with all partners to continue elevating the tournament experience for both players and fans, in collaboration with the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, SJM, Asian Tour, and Macau Golf Association. I would like to express our sincere appreciation for everyone’s invaluable contribution to the SJM Macao Open.”

Fans are encouraged to register for free admission tickets, with each person able to request up to four. For more information and to secure your tickets, please visit www.sjmmacaoopen.com