DING WENYI, JAZZ JANEWATTANANOND AND TRAVIS SMYTH CONFIRMED FOR THE SJM MACAO OPEN 2026
CHINESE STAR DING WENYI, ASIAN TOUR CHAMPIONS JAZZ JANEWATTANANOND AND TRAVIS SMYTH CONFIRMED FOR THE SJM MACAO OPEN 2026
[Macao SAR, 10 September, 2026]: A host of top international golfers will further strengthen the already star-studded field at the SJM Macao Open 2026, as Chinese star Ding Wenyi, Thai favorite Jazz Janewattananond, and two-time Asian Tour winner Travis Smyth announced their participation at Macao’s premier annual sporting event. With a prize purse of USD 1 million on offer, this year’s field also features 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson, Korean star golfer Sungjae Im, and defending Macao Open champion Dominic Foos.
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 SJM Macao Open 2026 will return to Macao from 15-18 October at the picturesque Macau Golf & Country Club.
Chinese sensation Ding will be playing at the SJM Macao Open for the second time, after an impressive third place finish on his debut last year. The 21-year-old turned professional two seasons ago after an impressive amateur career, with wins at the 2024 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship and the 2022 US Junior Amateur.
Ding, who carded seven top-25 finishes on the DP World Tour this year, said: “I am very much looking forward to returning to the SJM Macao Open. Coming third in the tournament on my Macao debut gave me a lot of confidence, and I was able to follow that with top-10 finishes in my next two tournaments. I finished last season feeling great about my game, and excited to get the opportunity to go back and try to play my best and continue my solid season.”
Thai star Janewattananond is a crowd favorite in Asian golf, having amassed 11 professional tour wins, including seven on the Asian Tour. The 30-year-old has ranked as high as No. 38 in the world following a Tied-14 finish at the PGA Championship and a win at the Indonesian Masters back in 2019.
The 16-year tour veteran last played at the SJM Macao Open in 2024 and is eagerly looking forward to returning to the vibrant city: “I played at the SJM Macao Open two years ago and remember well the beautifully kept and scenic course, and the energy and excitement of the city. I love the convenience of Macao, the support we get around the city, and how well the tournament and SJM looked after its players. I hope to be in position to challenge for the title, especially against a field that already has so many world class players.”
Australian Travis Smyth will be making his debut at the SJM Macao Open this year and arrives in strong form. With two titles to his credit already this year, the 31-year-old currently sits at the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit rankings and will look for a strong showing at the SJM Macao Open 2026 to consolidate his position. Smyth commented: “I am excited to be making my debut at the SJM Macao Open this year. I have had some great results on the Asian Tour this year and am very happy to add one of the Tour’s flagship events to my playing schedule. I have heard so many great things about this tournament, the course, and the city itself over the years, and I hope to have some time to explore the East-West energy that everyone talks about that is so unique to Macao.”
Some of China’s premier golfers are also joining this coterie of international stars in Macao in 2026.
At the SJM Macao Open 2026 Launch Press Conference on 8 July, it was announced that trailblazing Chinese golf legend and two-time Macao Open champion (2001, 2002) Zhang Lianwei, rising Chinese star Sampson Zheng, and leading local amateur finisher at the SJM Macao Open 2025 Ma Kaijun have also confirmed their participation, making this one of the strongest fields ever assembled for this flagship event on the Asian Tour.
With five weeks remaining until the event, a number of Asian Tour stalwarts have also committed to playing this year. Standouts include three-time Asian Tour champion Richard T. Lee; and South African professional Ian Snyman, who won his first Asian Tour title earlier this year in Chinese Taipei.
The SJM Macao Open also plays an important role in aiding the development of Macao’s leading golfers. Ma Kaijun seized the opportunity last year and as the top local finisher, will compete this season. Also, the qualifying event on 24 September is open to all nationalities, with places reserved for local players. The top two players will make it through as well as the leading four from Macao. Should local players finish in the top two, four additional places will still be available to them.
Substantiating its commitment to support the local community, the SJM Macao Open 2026 will bring golf closer to Macao’s neighborhoods, sharing the joy and excitement of the sport with people from all walks of life, and reaching an even wider audience in the build-up to this year’s excitement.
Admission to the SJM Macao Open 2026 will once again be free to the public. Fans can register for complimentary tickets from today, with each person able to request up to four tickets. For more information and to secure your tickets, please visit www.sjmmacaoopen.com.
