David Howell to star at tenth Macau Open

Europe's Ryder Cup hero David Howell of England will star in next month's Macau Open which celebrates a milestone with its 10th anniversary celebration this year.

Howell, ranked 24th in the world, will add to an already long list of illustrious names who have previously headlined the Macau Open. The 31-year-old will be joined by two-time winner Zhang Lian-wei of China and title holder Kane Webber of Australia.

Major champions Nick Faldo, Vijay Singh, Mark O'Meara and Nick Price are amongst the big-name players who have competed in the popular US$300,000 Asian Tour event previously, which takes place at the spectacular Macau Golf and Country Club from May 17-20.

Macau Sport Development Board Acting President Alex Vong said: "We are delighted to welcome David Howell of England to the Macau Open. This year's tournament holds a special significance to all of us as we will be celebrating a decade of success.

"With four titles in Europe including his heroics in the previous two Ryder Cups, David Howell is regarded as one of the continent's giants in golf and we are privileged that he will grace the fairways of Macau Golf and Country Club next month.

"I am also delighted to welcome back China's hero Zhang Lian-wei, who will chase a record third title in Macau and defending champion Kane Webber. I am confident we will witness yet another memorable tournament which will help us commemorate the 10th Macau Open."

Howell, winner of two titles in the 2006 European season and third on the Order of Merit, is looking forward to his maiden trip to Macau. He has tasted success previously in Asia, beating world number one Tiger Woods to triumph in the 2005 HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

“I am looking forward to playing in the Macau Open. It should be an interesting week. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the golf course and its unique practice range (where golfers hit golf balls into the sea) and I’m sure it will be a great tournament,” said Howell.

“When the opportunity to play in Macau came my way, I decided to take it up and experience the tournament for myself. My preparation is going to be a bit unique but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m going there to not only enjoy the golf but also to enjoy the place as well,” he added.

Howell also won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth last season and led the Order of Merit in Europe for most of the season before eventually finishing third after missing several events through injuries.

Before flying out to Macau, Howell will tap on the knowledge of compatriot Lee Westwood, who triumphed in Macau in 1999. “Lee has mentioned that it is an interesting golf course and that it is hilly. I don’t know what to expect but it sounded like one of those places on the planet that was worth visiting," he said.

The 41-year-old Zhang will be shooting for a record third Macau Open title following victories in 2001 and 2002, the second triumph probably the more memorable as he defeated Zimbabwean Nick Price in a five-hole play-off. Macau has been like a second home for Zhang, who lives in nearby Shenzhen which is just across the border.

Webber will defend the title he won in only his second Asian Tour start and after a solid 2006 campaign in which he finished 36th on the UBS Order of Merit, the Australian will arrive in Macau feeling confident of a successful defence.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han extended his appreciation to the Macau Sport Development Board for its support and vision. "I would like to salute MSDB for its endeavours and backing towards the professional game in Asia. For the Macau Open to be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, it reflects wonderfully on the commitment and passion that it has put into the game.

"With the Asian Tour's finest players set to descend in Macau, we can expect a lot of excitement from the fairways of the Macau Golf and Country Club."

Past winners of the Macau Open include Japan's Satoshi Oide (1998), Westwood (1999), England’s Simon Dyson (2000), Zhang (2001 and 2002), Scotsman Colin Montgomerie (2003), American Jason Knutzon (2004), Wang Ter-chang of Chinese Taipei (2005) and Webber (2006).

The Macau Golf and Country Club offers breathtaking views of the Hac Sa Beach and South China Sea. The Macau Open will be the 14th leg of this season's Asian Tour Schedule.

April 20, 2007

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