SJM Macao Open Partners with Macao Star Golfer Hun Pui In to Inspire Local Juniors
[23 September 2023: Macao SAR, China] Hoping to inspire more juniors to take an interest in golf and boost the development of the game in Macao, local golf star Hun Pui In partnered with the SJM Macao Open in an exciting school outreach event on Saturday, September 23, at his alma mater, Pui Ching Middle School.
Hun and SJM’s Tourism Ambassador ‘Sam the Rooster’ were joined by more than 100 students from grades 9-12, as well as representative from the school leadership and faculty members.
During the event, Hun demonstrated his golf skills and shared his passion for the game. Much to the delight of the students, the SJM Macao Open trophy also made a special appearance.
Guests at the event included the vice principle of Pui Ching Middle School, IEONG Pui Ian;
Lik Hang Choi, Director of Counselling Office; and Porcia Leung, Senior Vice President of Marketing of SJM Resorts, S.A. [SJM]. SJM is the new title sponsor of the Macao Open starting from 2023.
Hun shared how golf has played an important role in his development as a player and as a person. He played in the Macao Open twice in his teens and benefited greatly from the experience of competing against the best professional golfers in the world.
Thanks to his love for golf and ability to play the game well, Hun attended Saint Mary’s University in the United States while playing for its golf team in Division 1 of the NCAA League. Having graduated this year, he returned to Macao and has been actively seeking opportunities to play in professional events to prepare for the two most important events on his calendar – the Asian Games and the SJM Macao Open.
“I’m thrilled to be here on behalf of the SJM Macao Open. There’s no better place to help grow the game than my former school,” noted Hun. “Golf will take you anywhere you want to go. For me, it was the ticket to a great education and a professional career.
“I’m hopeful that the young people here today will find the same love for the game and go even further. This is a great opportunity for me to give back to the community that has given me so much,” he added.
Hun plans to turn professional in early 2024 and is also preparing himself for the Asian Tour Qualifying School.
The students watched in awe and admiration as Hun showcased his golf skills while sharing the fundamentals of the game. They also participated in a mini putting clinic by Macao’s favourite golfer and made their first putt of their lives.
Sam the Rooster, and Hun personally presented each student with a specially prepared package that included a ticket to the SJM Macao Open and a personalized souvenir. Through the event, the SJM Macao Open hopes to encourage more young people to pick up the game of golf by guaranteeing them access to Macao’s most iconic golf tournament.
Hun expressed his pride at having graduated from Pui Ching and for being able to represent Macao on the international stage. In addition to playing in the SJM Macao Open for a third time in mid-October, he will be part of the Macao contingent for next week’s 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Hun’s appearance at his alma mater will surely inspire the current students to pursue golf and dream of shining on the world stage.
The SJM Macao Open is organized and promoted by IMG, co-organized by the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government, and titled sponsored by SJM Resorts, S.A. It is one of the flagship events on the Asian Tour and the most important golf event on Macao’s sporting calendar. The tournament returns for its 20th edition from October 12-15, 2023, at Macau Golf and Country Club.
In addition to Hun, the power-packed field of 144 will feature Australian star Min Woo Lee who finished fifth at this year’s U.S. Open; two-time champion Gaganjeet Bhullar of India who won the tournament’s last staging in 2017 and previously in 2012; Taichi Kho, the first player from Hong Kong, China to win on the Asian Tour; and China’s legendary trailblazer Zhang Lianwei who won the Macao Open in 2001 and 2002.
This year’s tournament will be free admission. Simply login to the tournament official website to register for complimentary weekly tickets.
