Macau: South African Ernie Els is planning to make it a memorable 44th birthday by winning the Venetian Macau Open starting on Thursday despite almost being blown off course by Typhoon Whipa.
The four-time Major champion, popularly known as “The Big Easy”, will headline a starry field at the US$800,000 Asian Tour event which includes title holder Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, China’s Liang Wen-chong and two-time Macau Open champion Zhang Lian-wei, six former Order of Merit champions including Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee and no fewer than 40 Tour champion.
Els arrived at the Macau Golf and Country Club on Wednesday afternoon after his flight from the United States to Japan was detoured and the subsequent leg to Macau was delayed due to a typhoon.
Despite the jetlag, the South African, who celebrates his birthday on Thursday, is feeling upbeat of making it a winning week in Macau.
“I was going to come in early. I flew privately but there was a typhoon in Japan and we couldn’t land in Tokyo and we had to land in Sapporo and we got delayed as no flights could leave the area,” said Els, who left the U.S. late Monday night and took 17 hours to arrive in Macau.
“It’s nice to be here. I’ve never been to Macau. I’ve heard some great things. I spoke to Nicky Price and he’s been here and he told me I’ll be playing on top of a mountain! I’ve got an old friend of mine, Gary Todd caddying so we’re going to have some fun. I’ve got to get my bearing straight first.”
Els, who accepted an invitation to become an Asian Tour honorary member and international ambassador in July, will spend the next three weeks in Asia where he hopes to end his 2013 campaign on a high note.
“I played quite well after the U.S. Open (where he finished fourth). From the British Open right through the PGA Championship and FedEx Cup, I didn’t really catch fire. I was on track until June so unfortunately, I didn’t play too well,” said Els, who was in Las Vegas earlier in the week to raise funds and awareness on autism through his own event, Els for Autism.
“I’ve got my three events in Asia and then I’m going home for a long break and have two months off. Going to get my body strong again and get going next year. Who knows, I can maybe play good this week.”
Bhullar, who is currently third on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit, is confident of successfully defending his title at the Venetian Macau Open after a commanding wire-to-wire victory a year ago.
“Macau is one of my favourite courses in Asia. When I played in the practice round yesterday, it kind of triggered the memories from last year. I remembered what I did on the 72nd hole (which he birdied). It was one of the weeks where I’m not going to forget in my life,” said the 25-year-old.
“This tournament is one of the biggest events on the Asian Tour. I’m feeling good and I’m striking the ball good. Just had a bit of ups and downs recently which is part of the game. I’m enjoying myself and I’m in a good frame of mind. Anything is possible.”
Bhullar is relishing the opportunity to earn a pairing with Els over the weekend. “That’s the goal. He inspires the next generation of Asian players to move onto the next level and make it big. With him around, he’s the one to look out for,” said the Indian.
Thongchai, the only man to win three Order of Merit titles in Asia, has recorded eight top-10s this season and would dearly love to win a 14th Asian Tour title at the Venetian Macau Open.
“I’ve been playing okay but in the last two weeks, my putting has been killing me. But with the greens being so fast here, I hope to get back to form. I love fast greens and I feel confident,” said Thongchai, who finished tied eighth here last season.
“Hopefully this week, I will give myself a chance to win. The course is good but a lot depends on the weather. If it is windy, it will be tough. I love the course, you have to think a lot and have the right game plan.
“It’s good to have Ernie in the field. It makes things a bit different for the players.”
Chinese veteran Zhang Lian-wei, long regarded as the man who put China golf on the world map with his success on the Asian Tour, will be out to preserve a proud record where he has never missed a halfway cut here in 13 appearances.
“Every time I come back to Macau, it feels like I’m coming home. I’ve had a lot of success here in the past (with two wins in 2001 and 2002) and I’ve never missed the cut in all my appearances here. I’ve been working with a coach the past few months and hopefully it will help in my game,” said the veteran.
Jointly organised by Macau Sport Development Board of Macau SAR Government (MSDB) and Golf Association of Macau, the tournament is sanctioned by the latter and the Asian Tour, and promoted by IMG. Following a successful foray into the world of golf last year, The Venetian® Macao-Resort has returned as title sponsor of the event for a second successive year.
The Venetian Macau Open will once again be a free entry event for golf fans from around the world to enjoy live world class professional golf in one of the best loved destinations for leisure and business travel in Asia.
Since its inauguration in 1998, the tournament has been graced by the presence of some of the best golfers the world has ever seen, including Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam and Mark O’Meara. This year’s event boasts a total prize fund of US$800,000, an increase of 6.7% compared to last year.
Sponsors joining The Venetian® Macao in support of the tournament include Rolex, Srixon, Air Macau, Blue Girl and Bonaqua, as well as first time sponsors Lamborghini, Maui Jim, Subway, Hytera, Twinwoods Wine and Hong Kong Descente, which carries both the Le Coq Sportif Golf Collection and Munsingwear.
