Two of golf’s biggest names – Lee Westwood and Sungjae Im – have been confirmed as headline acts for the 2025 SJM Macao Open, which will take place at Macau Golf & Country Club from October 16 to 19.

The announcement came during a press conference in Macau, where SJM Resorts, S.A. also revealed an extension of their title sponsorship for another two years.

Westwood returns to site of 1999 triumph

Westwood, a former world number one, lifted the Macao Open trophy in 1999 after defeating Andrew Pitts in a sudden-death playoff. The Englishman, who has 10 career wins in Asia, will aim to capture a second Macao crown more than two decades later.

“I am thrilled to be playing at the SJM Macao Open this October. I have fond memories from my win 26 years ago. The course always brings out the best in me, and I am looking forward to performing well this year and hopefully bringing home a second Macao Open crown,” said Westwood.

The 51-year-old last triumphed in Asia at the 2015 Indonesian Masters, an event he has won three times.

Sungjae Im set for Macau debut

Korean star Sungjae Im, a two-time PGA Tour champion and three-time Presidents Cup representative, will make his debut in Macau.

“I am excited to be part of a very competitive field at the SJM Macao Open this year. I have heard excellent things about the tournament and the city. Fellow players have told me about the beautiful but challenging course at Macau Golf & Country Club and I cannot wait to make my first trip to Macau a successful and enjoyable one,” Im said.

Defending champion Rattanon returns

Also in the 144-player field is defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan, who secured a wire-to-wire win in 2024 to claim his second Asian Tour title. The Thai golfer will aim to replicate Chinese golf legend Zhang Lianwei, the only player to have successfully defended the Macao Open crown.

“The tournament is one of my favorite weeks on the golfing calendar, and I am even more excited to be returning as the defending champion and to perform in front of the fans in Macau in October,” Rattanon shared.

Organizers highlight sports-tourism synergy

The tournament is jointly organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (MSB), SJM Resorts, S.A., and IMG, and is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Macau Golf Association.

• Ms. See Lei (Sports Bureau): Emphasized the Macao Open’s role in showcasing the city’s ability to host major international sporting events and boost “sports + tourism.”

• Ms. Daisy Ho (SJM): Confirmed the extension of SJM’s title sponsorship, highlighting the company’s commitment to the long-term development of golf in Macau.

• Cho Minn Thant (Asian Tour): Praised the Macao Open as “one of the premier events on the Asian Tour” and welcomed SJM’s extended partnership.