Veteran Zhang Lianwei and amateur Hun Pui-in pose with the 2023 SJM Macao Open trophy. XINHUA

The 2023 SJM Macao Open will bring world-class golf back to Macao special administrative region from Oct 12-15.

The picturesque but challenging Macao Golf and Country Club is once again the venue for the $1 million tournament, which forms part of the 2023 Asian Tour schedule and features a field of 144 players.

Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour CEO and commissioner lauded the return of the event.

"The return of the Macao Open is hugely significant for the Asian Tour, as it has played such an important role in our history for over two decades. There is no doubt that our members are all excited to see it back on the schedule and look forward to turning out in force to soak up the atmosphere of competing in this special event," said Cho.

"Our thanks go to SJM Resorts for paving the way for the event's return together with the Sports Bureau of Macao, the Macao Golf Association, Macao Golf and Country Club and IMG."

Pun Weng-kun, president of the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government, echoed those sentiments.

"We are extremely grateful for the full support of title sponsor SJM Resorts, as well as the commitment of the Asian Tour and the Macao Golf Association, in reinstating the Macao Open. The Sports Bureau continues to introduce various large-scale sports events, using sports as a platform to enhance Macao's image as a global center of tourism and leisure. By combining sports, culture and tourism, the branding and impact of sports events are enhanced while promoting the development of Macao's sports industry."

The SJM Macao Open has attracted some of the world's leading players since its inception in 1998.Players confirmed so far for the tournament this year include rising Australian star Min Woo Lee, currently ranked 50th in the world, and China's legendary trailblazer Zhang Lianwei, who won the tournament twice, in 2001 and 2002.

"This will be my first time competing in the SJM Macao Open and I'm really looking forward to it. I've heard so many great things about the event and the venue, Macao Golf and Country Club, and hopefully I will be able to add my name to the illustrious list of winners," said the 25-year-old Lee, who is the younger brother of LPGA star Minjee Lee.

Zhang is regarded as a pioneer of Chinese professional golf with numerous wins worldwide including five on the Asian Tour, and is also the first Chinese golfer to play in the Masters (2004).

"The Macao Open is one my favorite tournaments as it has provided so memorable moments in my career, especially in 2002 when I won a playoff against Nick Price. I'm sure we will see some great action this year and I can't wait to test my skills against the next generation of golfers," noted Zhang.

India's Gaganjeet Bhullar, the titleholder from the tournament's last staging in 2017, will return to Macao to defend his title. He will be joined by other leading golfers from the region such as 2016 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Scott Hend of Australia, who has won 10 times on the circuit, Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines, who has three Asian Tour titles to his name, and Australian Wade Ormsby, who has four tour titles.

Regional powerhouse Thailand will have a host of players in the field, led by the nation's current No 1 Sadom Kaewkanjana and the legendary Thaworn Wiratchant, who holds the record for most Asian Tour wins having amassed 18 titles over his glittering career.

The tournament will also feature young talents such as Taichi Kho of Hong Kong, China, who won the World City Championship on home soil earlier this year for his maiden Asian Tour title, and promising local amateurs Hun Pui-in and Ma Kaijun.

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