Els and Hend to compete for Venetian Macao Open title

Ernie Els

Four-time Major champion Ernie Els and six-time Asian Tour winner Scott Hend have confirmed their return to the Macau Golf & Country Club to compete for the Venetian Macao Open title from 15 to 18 October, according to a press release from the organizers.
Coordinated by the Macao Sport Development Board and sanctioned by the Golf Association of Macau and the Asian Tour, and with The Venetian Macao as the title sponsor for the fourth year, the 17th edition of the tournament will see Els challenge for the title for the third successive year. The South African finished in tied 26th position last year after a tied-­v3rd finish in his debut in 2013.
“I am looking forward to playing at the Venetian Macao Open for the third time, which is now a regular stop on my fall schedule”, the 45-year-­old Johannesburg native commented, as reported in the media release. “I have been practicing well and I stand a great chance to bring the trophy back to South Africa for the first time,” he added.
Hend also won the title in 2013 and came close to repeating that feat a year later. The 42-year-old Australian won by three shots over current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Anirban Lahiri two years ago, but was dethroned by the same player after a final-day shootout saw him settle for tied second place last season.
José Tavares, President of the Macao Sport Development Board, likewise enthusiastically commented on the return of the three fan favorites: “Ernie, Anirban and Scott have provided us with so much excitement over the last few years, and helped put the Venetian Macao Open on the world stage in terms of sporting events. The buzz they create as a result of their battles on the course here in Macau is something we can’t wait for and we look forward to hosting them once again this year.”