Cover With the 2023 Macao Open marking 20 years of the tournament, the city is quickly becoming a bona fide international sports destination and a hub of sporting excellence (Photo: courtesy of SJM Macao Open)
With the 2023 Macao Open marking 20 years of the tournament, the city is quickly becoming a bona fide international sports destination and a hub of sporting excellence (Photo: courtesy of SJM Macao Open)
1 / 1
Tatler+
The 2023 tournament is helping transform Macau into a bona fide hub of sporting excellence
With a vibrant mix of cultures, a spectacular skyline and, of course, world-class hotels and integrated resorts, Macau is a destination that offers the perfect mix of glamour, history and stunning natural beauty. A fascinating blend of east and west, where timeless tradition meets up-to-the-minute modernity, the former Portuguese territory is just a short hop across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong, making it the ideal location for a short break or long weekend.
As if Macau’s many tourist draws weren’t enough of an excuse to make the trip over the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the city also plays host to one of the most successful and storied sporting events in Asia, the SJM Macao Open. Growing exponentially since its inception in 1998, the tournament has attracted some of the world’s best golfers over the years, including the likes of Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, Chinese number one Liang Wenchong and Spanish legend Miguel Ángel Jiménez, as well as former world number ones Lee Westwood and Ernie Els.
Co-organised with the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Macao Golf Association, this year’s tournament took place from October 12 to 15 and saw 144 players from around the world descend on Macau Golf and Country Club to compete for a grand prize pool of US$1 million.
Above Liang Wenchong of China pictured during Round Two (Photo: Courtesy of SJM Macao Open)
Above The winner’s trophy during an official practice round at the Macau Golf and Country Club ahead of the SJM Macao Open (Photo: Courtesy of SJM Macao Open)
Liang Wenchong of China pictured during Round Two (Photo: Courtesy of SJM Macao Open)
1 / 2
The 2023 title was claimed by Australia’s Min Woo Lee, with the world’s 38th-ranked player shooting an impressive eight under par 63 in his final round to earn his maiden Asian Tour title and set a new tournament record of 30 under par—two clear of Thailand’s Poom Saksansin, who was a full eight shots ahead of fellow Thai golfer Phachara Khongwatmai in third.
After such a stellar performance out on the course, Lee would undoubtedly have been in the mood for celebration—and it would have been no surprise to find him at the official hotel of the SJM Macao Open, the recently opened Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. Comprising three stunning towers, sumptuous accommodation, world-class cuisine and five-star spa facilities, the property offers a range of hospitality packages especially for the tournament.
With the 2023 tournament marking the 20th edition of the Macao Open, and even bigger planning for the 2024 edition underway, the city is quickly becoming a bona fide international sports destination and a hub of sporting excellence—not to mention a stunning place to get away from the daily grind.
