Macau concessionaire SJM Resorts has been unveiled as the new sponsor of the Macao Open golf tournament, part of the Asian Tour, for the next three years.
To be officially known as the SJM Macao Open, this year’s event will be held from 12 to 15 October at Macau Golf and Country Club and feature 144 players fighting for a share of the enlarged US$1 million prize pool.
Celebrating the event’s 20th year in 2023, SJM Managing Director Daisy Ho said, “SJM is committed to bringing Macau onto the world stage by hosting international sporting events. We are very proud to be the title sponsor of the SJM Macao Open, through which we will contribute to enhancing Macau’s profile as an energetic sports city and showcasing our all-rounded strength as a top-notch destination.
“As a major supporter of ‘sports + tourism’, we aim to elevate Macau’s brand as a world center of tourism and leisure, boost international arrivals and bring economic benefits to the community.”
As previously reported by Inside Asian Gaming, investment in sports tourism was one of the government’s key criteria during the re-tendering for 10-year gaming concessions last year, with the Macao Sports Bureau revealing last week that the city’s six concessionaires have submitted to the government their plans for organizing local sporting events, including major tournaments such as golf and tennis.
In announcing the return of the SJM Macao Open on Monday, Sports Bureau President Pun Weng Kun said, “Bringing back this long-running golf tournament to Macau has been an important priority and we are very happy to be able to support the return of this international event.
“Sport for All is a very important government initiative and the health benefits of golf are undeniable so we hope that the return of the SJM Macao Open to the island will serve as inspiration to our residents and be enjoyed by all.”
