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Lee Leads Magisterial SJM Macao Open Parade
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s Min Woo Lee’s three-foot putt on the final green disappeared below ground, a million-dollar smile broke out across the face of the Australian superstar-in-the-making.
The impromptu champagne shower that immediately followed for Lee was a fittingly bubbly finale to a week that will live long in the memory of those fortunate enough to witness an intoxicating cocktail of world-class golf and entertainment.
Lee’s two-stroke success in SJM Macao Open 2023 was not just a victory for one of the world’s most celebrated young golfers.
After a six-year absence from the calendar, it also marked a triumphant return to prominence for a tournament rich in history … and a resounding confirmation of Macao’s status as one of the region’s most exciting tourism hotspots.
“This whole week has been amazing! I really enjoyed my time here. It’s an awesome course and an awesome place,” was Lee’s succinct summation of a week during which he produced a princely performance that had fans and golfing aficionados purring.
In carding a final round of eight-under-par 63, Lee lit up the Macau Golf & Country Club, wooing the on-site galleries and global television audience with his effortless 300-yard drives and an unerring ability to find the cup with putts from all angles and distances.
All the more impressive was the fact that it was not a one-off. On the previous three days, he posted scores of 62, 64 and 65. Although preferred lies were played for the first two rounds, Lee’s 72-hole aggregate of 30-under-par 254 was a new tournament record and just two shy of the Asian Tour’s all-time record winning total.
More than simply banking the US$180,000 first prize and cementing his place in the top-50 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Lee’s stylish win secured extensive worldwide exposure for the SJM Macao Open and the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, located in the western Pearl River Delta by the South China Sea.
Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM Resorts, S.A. (SJM), said: “As the title sponsor, we are extremely pleased that this year’s SJM Macao Open went smoothly and was so well received by players and spectators alike.”
Neither Lee, SJM nor the Macau SAR will be resting on their laurels.
While Lee enters 2024 with designs on adding a Major title to his already glistening curriculum vitae, the SJM Macao Open will remain a central part of the Macao SAR Government’s strategy to position and develop Macao as a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”
In addition to its commitment to the Macao Open, SJM supports a variety of other world-class sports events, including dragon boat races, wushu competitions and tennis tournaments.
Ho said: “SJM is an ardent supporter of sports events. One of SJM’s initiatives is to support the Macao SAR Government’s dynamic fusion of ‘Tourism + Sports’ by bringing world-class sports events to Macao, thereby further strengthening our position as a ‘World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.’”
“The (SJM Macao Open 2023) tournament certainly cemented its place as one of the highlights of Macao’s international events calendar, showcasing our capability to stage world-class sporting events laced with warm hospitality.”
“This is just the beginning of our three-year partnership, and we will work closely with the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government, the Asian Tour, IMG and other stakeholders to make the next edition even bigger and better.”
In the wake of the lack of events during the Covid-19 pandemic, the return to the schedule of the SJM Macao Open enabled the hosts to showcase Macao’s culture, spirit and hospitality.
Ho said: “The SJM Macao Open is a signature event of the Asian Tour and is one of Macao’s longest-standing international competitions. This year’s 20th edition was made possible by the unwavering support from the Macao SAR Government, the Macao Golf Association, Macau Golf & Country Club, and the local golf industry.”
“SJM is proud to rekindle this legacy as we strive to attract more sports enthusiasts here by bringing them memorable sporting moments.”
While he’s unable to confirm his schedule at this point, it’s clear that Lee would jump at the opportunity to return to the former Portuguese enclave to defend his SJM Macao Open title in 2024 and once more savour the unique ambience of the iconic Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau (Grand Lisboa Palace), SJM’s newest flagship property.
Grand Lisboa Palace is an integrated resort that offers a broad array of facilities, including award-winning restaurants, a 75,000 square-metre shopping mall, versatile meeting and event venues, exclusive spa and wellness centres in each hotel tower, as well as exciting entertainment options.
“The resort is unbelievable, probably one of the best integrated resorts I’ve been in. And I really loved the Asian food. It was a spectacular week. I hope to come back,” said Lee.
*This article was published in collaboration with the SJM Macao Open.
