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HONG KONG. — Four-time Major winner Ernie Els has confirmed he will take part in the US$800 000 Venetian Macau Open golf tournament for the first time in October. Els, who has notched up dual wins at both the US Open and the British Open, will be seeking to continue a run of recent good form following a June win at the BMW International Open in Munich.
The 43-year-old South African is a regular on the Asian circuit and will be hoping to add the Macau trophy to two previous Tour wins, at the 2005 BMW Asian Open in China and the 2005 Qatar Masters.

“I am excited to be playing in Macau. I have never been there before but have heard many good things about the tournament as well as the city itself,” he was quoted as saying in an Asian Tour press release.

“I like Asia and have enjoyed playing in this part of the world over the years. This spring I was in Indonesia and Thailand and played well at both tournaments.

“The Venetian Macau Open is one of the most prestigious events on the Asian Tour and I hope I will be holding the famous trophy aloft come Sunday,” he said.

Els, known as the “Big Easy”, recently accepted an invitation to become an honorary member and international ambassador of the Asian Tour.
Golf Association of Macau president Charles Lo said, “Ernie Els is a true champion who is well respected around the world with a graceful style and classy attitude.

“Aspiring young golfers can learn a lot from Ernie’s behaviour both on and off the course and I hope our upcoming players will take advantage of this opportunity to learn from the great man.”

The 2013 Venetian Macau Open takes place from October 17-20. Previous winners include Lee Westwood and Colin Montgomerie. — AFP.