The Venetian Macao® has extended its title sponsorship of the Venetian Macao Open for a further two years until 2016 following its successful association with Macao’s premier golf championship.

The Macao Sport Development Board (MSDB) and its partners, the Asian Tour, Macao Golf Association and IMG, jointly announced that next year’s edition will be staged at the Macao Golf and Country Club from October 15-18, 2015.

Through this extension, The Venetian Macao has also committed to further increase the tournament’s prize fund, which stood at a record US$900,000 this week, over the next couple of years with world-class stars continuing to grace the fairways in Macao.

This week, four-time Major winner Ernie Els, Spanish star Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, a three-time Asian Tour number one, were the top attractions in a stellar field which included 17 of the top-20 players from the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit. India’s Anirban Lahiri won the tournament with his winning total of 17-under-par 267.

“We are proud to announce that the prestigious Venetian Macao Open will continue to be held on the Asian Tour until 2016. Through the commitment of The Venetian Macao, our event has become one of the most successful sporting events in Macao and on the Asian Tour,” said José Tavares, President of MSDB.

“With the renewal of our partnership with the key stakeholders, we believe the success of the Venetian Macao Open will continue to spur the development of the game here and provide the opportunity for Macao sports fans and the local community to watch world-class golf at our doorstep.”

Since assuming the role as title sponsor in 2012, The Venetian Macao has been instrumental in growing the stature of Macao’s flagship championship, which is beamed live over four rounds to 180 nations and 625 million homes around the world.

“The Venetian Macao has been delighted to play a major role in raising the stature and prestige of the Venetian Macao Open. We remain fully committed to growing the event as this great tournament puts The Venetian Macao and Macao firmly in the forefront on the global golfing map. This fits very well in our drive and efforts to showcase Macao as a leading destination for tourism, leisure and entertainment in Asia,” said Gunther Hatt, Executive Vice President of Operations, Sands China Ltd.

“Through this two-year extension, we look forward to working closely with the Macao Sport Development Board, the Asian Tour, the Golf Association of Macao and IMG both next season and beyond. The players and fans alike enjoy coming to Macao as we offer first-class hospitality and entertainment across the board.”

Asian Tour CEO Mike Kerr expressed his appreciation to The Venetian Macao and MSDB for their continued support of professional golf at the highest level in the region.

“On behalf of our talented players, I would like to extend our gratitude to The Venetian Macao and MSDB for their commitment towards the staging of the Venetian Macao Open for another two years. This event has become one of our prestigious tournaments and it is due very much to the vision of The Venetian Macao and MSDB,” said Kerr.

“Our players always enjoy competing in Macao as The Venetian Macao is a wonderful host and the hospitality here is second to none. We look forward to coming back in 2015 for the event’s 17th staging.”

IMG’s Vice President, Head of Golf Sales, Jasmine Lim, said: “We would like to thank the MSDB for its aspiration to grow the Venetian Macao Open into what it is today. The Venetian Macao® has also been a fantastic partner since 2012 where its support and world class hospitality is well appreciated by the players, media and officials. With its backing, the tournament has seen the prize fund grow and the tournament gain greater international recognition.

“Through Asian Tour Media, we have successfully beamed the Venetian Macao Open globally where the total hours of broadcast has increased annually, thus ensuring that Macao is positioned as a top destination for leisure, entertainment and business travel.”