Several of the leading contenders for the SJM Macao Open 2026 met with the regional media today to share their expectations ahead of the USD 1 million Asian Tour event, taking place from 15-18 October at the scenic Macau Golf & Country Club.
Jointly organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (MSB), title sponsor SJM Resorts, S.A. (SJM) and IMG, and co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Macau Golf Association, the tournament brings together a strong field of international stars and leading players from across the region.
With SJM as title sponsor for a fourth consecutive year, SJM Macao Open remains one of the major highlights on Macao’s international sporting calendar and a flagship event on the Asian Tour. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for delivering memorable experiences for players and fans alike.
That reputation promises to continue with 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson making his Macao Open debut this week. The 50-year-old joined the PGA Tour Champions earlier this year following a stellar career that has yielded 22 tour titles, including The Open Championship in 2016 and The Players Championship in 2009.
Stenson said: “I’m here playing with the young guys this week; it makes me feel young. Also I’m very excited to be here. It’s the first time in Macau for me, and it’s a beautiful trophy. It’s one of the biggest trophies I’ve seen in a long time. Anyone would want to get their hands on this one. I’ve done this a long time, touring the world, playing golf tournaments, and Macao is a new stop for me, and I’m really excited to see some new places here.
“In Asia, over the years, from starting to play here in my early days as a pro, the level of the Asian players was not near the level it is today. It’s evolved quite a lot. This is a strong competition, so I need to try and figure out how to play this golf course in pretty much twenty-four hours and see if we can carry on some good momentum.”
Currently second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit rankings, Travis Smyth will also make his first appearance in the SJM Macao Open. The Australian, a four-time professional tour champion, added: “Very happy to be in Macau, very excited. The golf course is looking great and the weather is meant to be amazing, so all positive signs going into the week.
“The food’s incredible and I’ve made some good friends here, so I feel quite comfortable. I enjoy the golf course. It’s in amazing condition. I’ve just had two weeks off so I feel refreshed. It’s such an iconic venue,” added Smyth.
Sungjae Im, a seven-time professional tour winner and PGA Tour Rookie of the Year 2019, finished tied-seventh on his debut last year after a seven-under-par 269. The Korean star commented: “I’m very pleased to be back again after last year. I had a very good performance last year and now I know the course better. I’m hoping for a good result this week.
21-year-old Ding Wenyi is one of the fastest-rising players on the Asian Tour. He turned professional just two years ago after a strong amateur career that included wins at the 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and the 2024 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship. The Beijing-born golfer finished third at the SJM Macao Open last year and has recorded no fewer than nine top-25 finishes on tour this season.
Speaking about his goals for the week, Ding said: “My form has had some ups and downs this year, but I performed very well during the Asian Games week. I hope to carry that momentum forward and strive for an even better result in Macao than last year.”
Regarding the direction of his professional career, he added: “The biggest goal of my life is to win a PGA Tour champion title, and return to Augusta National Golf Club as a professional player. Several of the players present here today are icons I have looked up to since I was a child, and I hope to become one of them in the future.”
Thai fan favorite Jazz Janewattananond first played the Macao Open in 2014 and returned a decade later. The 2019 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner will join a strong group of Thai players that includes former champions Rattanon Wannasrichan (2024) and Pavit Tangkamolprasert (2016).
The 11-time professional tour champion and mainstay on the Asian Tour commented: “I’m excited to be back. Macao is one of the most iconic stops every year on tour. We always come back. Great city, great golf course and the course this year is looking very very good. So I’m really excited to play in this tournament.”
Ahead of the Press Conference, Wu Ashun, one of China’s most successful male golfers, shared his expectations for the week and his future goals with mainland Chinese and Hong Kong media.
Wu, whose seven tour titles include five on the DP World Tour, returning to the SJM Macao Open and Macau Golf & Country Club, saying: “This golf course has a lot of character. It’s a hillside course with beautiful views overlooking the sea. There are birdie opportunities out there, but there are also holes where a small mistake can cost you. Course management and strategy will be very important this week. If you play smart and your game is in good shape, there’s definitely the potential for a strong result.”
Now in its 23rd edition, the Macao Open has become a highlight on the Asian Tour calendar, attracting major champions such as Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Fred Couples, Padraig Harrington and Vijay Singh. Zhang Lianwei, a pioneer of golf in China, is a two-time winner and remains the only golfer to have successfully defended the title.
Seven of the top 10 players in the Asian Tour Order of Merit 2026 rankings are in the field. With valuable points at stake, the leading players will be aiming to bring their best to Macao.
The SJM Macao Open also plays an important role in the development of Macao’s talented golfers. Ma Kaijun, the top local finisher last year, will return to compete. Four other rising local talents – Jim Huang, Kelvin Si Ngai, Hung Chi Che, Bryan Luo – have also secured their places as the top four local finishers at the Qualifier Tournament on 24 September.
“My goal this week is to make the cut. I hope to become the first Macau amateur golfer to achieve that at the SJM Macao Open,” said local hope Oscar Hung Chi Che.
Beyond the tournament, the SJM Macao Open 2026 aims to bring golf into the community through outreach programs designed to introduce more people to the sport and encourage wider participation.
Admission to the SJM Macao Open 2026 will once again be free to the public. Fans can register for complimentary tickets, with each person able to request up to four tickets. For more information and to secure your tickets, please visit www.sjmmacaoopen.com.
