Thai star Rattanon Wannasrichan will begin his title defence as the US$1 million (approx 32 million baht) Macao Open tees off today at the scenic Macau Golf and Country Club.
The defending champion is in great form after winning his third Asian Tour title just last month in Taiwan. Rattanon aims to become just the second player to defend his title in the tournament’s 22-year history, a feat only achieved by Chinese golf legend Zhang Lianwei, a fan favourite who will also play this week.
Rattanon will face a world-class field as some of the biggest names in world golf have arrived in Macao for the 22nd edition of the prestigious tournament.
“I’m very happy to return to the tournament. It was an incredible experience here last year and I have some momentum coming in, but I don’t want to put too much pressure on my performance. I’m just going to try to enjoy this tournament as much as I can,” said Rattanon.
Among the favourites competing for the coveted Macao Open 2025 title is former world No.1 Lee Westwood, whose Macao journey will come full circle this week. After winning the tournament’s second edition in 1999, Westwood has returned in 2025.
“It’s nice to be back in Asia and Macao. It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. I played and won in 1999, and a lot has changed in Macao since then — and a lot has changed with me as well,” said Westwood, who is returning alongside his son Samuel Westwood, an emerging professional making his Macao Open debut this week.
Two-time PGA Tour winner Im Sung-Jae from South Korea is also excited to make his Macao Open debut: “It’s my first time in Macao and I drove over from Hong Kong. It was an incredible sight coming in to see the lights of the city. It’s so vibrant here. I feel very comfortable and hopefully that feeling will continue. I hope to play well this week,” said the Korean.
An impressive contingent of Chinese players has also gathered for the tournament. Notable among them are China’s top-ranked golfer Li Haotong and Hong Kong’s leading player and the defending 2023 Asian Games gold medallist (individual) Taichi Kho. They highlight an impressive list of established and emerging Chinese stars appearing in the event.
“I’m super excited to be here this week. It’s a stellar field, the course looks in fantastic shape, and the weather is holding up. The Macao Open is a staple event on the Asian Tour with a lot of tradition, and I’m looking forward to adding to that,” said Kho, who finished tied for sixth on his Macao Open debut in 2023.
Chinese golf legend Liang Wenchong, up-and-coming 20-year-old ace Ding Wenyi, and another Hong Kong professional and Asian Games bronze medallist (men’s team golf event) Matthew Cheung are also in the field, while emerging local talent Kelvin Si Ngai will fly the flag for Macao this week.
The tournament will also feature reigning Asian Tour 2024 Order of Merit winner John Catlin and Pavit Tangkamolprasert, the Macao Open 2016 champion.