Macau Golf & Country Club, located on the island of Coloane, is just 15 minutes away from the Ferry Terminal, 20 minutes away from the Center of Macau, and 10 minutes away from the Macau International Airport.

The Club has been meticulously planned to combine a resort ambience with a championship 18-hole golf course, superb amenities, first-class management, attentive service, excellent food and sports, and a vast array of activities specially focused on golf tournaments and tuition.

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New golf course is to be laid out in the COTAI land-reclamation site between the border checkpoint and the Coloane kart circuit. A group of Taiwanese investors, with experience in this field, are at the head this 18-hole golf course project. The businessman, Ng Foc, is also a member of the group set to build the territory's second golf course. MacaU has heard that there are other projects under study at the moment, namely one on the Ilha Verde.

A new golf course will be built in Macau by the Orient Golf & Country Club Groups.

The course will be set on Taipa Island between the two new casino resorts Wynn Resort and Venetian Macau. The course is built mainly to serve the VIPs of the two resorts and therefore only around 300 memberships will be sold in the market.

hey but Wynn Resort is in Macau, not Taipa Island

im not sure, but i heard that the golf course is going to build not far from the airport.

Westin Golf Resort
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MACAU (AP) - Zhang Lian-wei takes on former Masters champion Fred Couples and Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant on Thursday when the Chinese star starts his bid for a third Macau Open title.

The self-taught Zhang won the tournament in 2001 and 2002. He made history in 2004, becoming the first golfer from China to be invited to play in the U.S. Masters.

Zhang said he has an advantage in the $275,000 US tournament because he's more familiar with the 6,624-yard course at the Macau Golf and Country Club, close to his home in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

"The course is challenging and you need to be precise with your shot-making," he said. "I'm happy with my form this year but not so with my putting, which has been inconsistent."

Zhang has won five titles in Asia, beating the likes of Ernie Els, Nick Price and Colin Montgomerie on the way. He has missed only one cut in seven starts on the Asian Tour this season.

Couples, who finished tied for second at last week's SK Telecom Open in South Korea, makes his debut at Macau.

"The course is brilliant and it's a good driving course," said the 45-year-old American, whose last win was at the Shell Houston Open two years ago. "If you drive it off line at some holes, it's easy to drop bogeys or doubles. The biggest thing for me would be to be careful from off the tees."

Couples has won 15 PGA Tour titles, including the 1992 Masters.

Wiratchant hopes Macau will help him get the top spot on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. The Thai trails his compatriot Thongchai Jaidee by about $6,500.

Defending champion Jason Knutzon of the United States beat a field that included Irish Ryder Cup star Padraig Harrington last year. The 2004 Macau Open was Knutzon's only professional victory, but he has had strong finishes at the Taiwan Open, Singapore Masters and the Masters of Asia.

"It was great to play against world-class golfers like Harrington," Knutzon said. "I haven't been putting well. Hopefully some good form will come back, and I'll have a good week."

Macau, May 12: Indian challenge will be rather strong in Macau, as the Macau Open gets underway here today.

Apart from the regulars Shiv Kapur, Amandeep Johl, Harmeet Kahlon, Rahil Gangjee and Gaurav Ghei, there will also be Ashok Kumar and Mukesh Kumar, who come to the Asian Tour after dominating the Indian Tour.

"Indian challenge is going to be a big force in years to come. Already many of our players doing well and graduating to strong positions. The wins are bound to follow," Johl said.

Johl himself is looking for his first win, after having close many times. "I know it will come," says Johl, who is also the chairman of the tournament players committee.

Macau, May 12: The 45-year-old Fred Couples is a prime example of top golfers remaining competitive with age. The smooth-swinging American finished tied second in last week's SK Telecom Open in Korea and will be making his debut in Macau.

"It's very exciting to be here. The course is brilliant and it's a good driving course. If you drive it off line at some holes, it's easy to drop bogeys or doubles. The biggest thing for me would be to be careful from off the tees," said Couples, whose last victory was in the Shell Houston Open two years ago.

Couples stamped his endorsement on the Asian Tour, saying the tour is moving in the right direction. "For the last couple of years, I've come out here and I hope to continue doing so as it's a lot of fun. The Asian Tour is getting bigger and stronger and the players are playing for a lot more money. To be a part of that, it's a nice thing. It's refreshing to come out here.

A winner of 15 US PGA Tour titles, including the 1992 US Masters, Couples is also looking to make the most of his maiden trip here by visiting the sights and sounds of Macau, and may also try his hand at the gambling tables.

"I was at the sands Macau casino for dinner yesterday and it is a very impressive place. It makes Las Vegas look quiet," said Couples, who is also hoping to watch the horse races at the weekend. "It's very nice to be here."

American Jason Knutzon will defend his Macau Open title but is looking lost in terms of his form, after missing four cuts in his last five outings.

Macau Open :: Asian Tour

China's Zheng Wen-gen will send a "Thank You" note to Ernie Els after firing a six-under-par 65 for the joint first round lead with Australian Marcus Both in the US$275,000 Macau Open today.

While many pundits were expecting former two-time champion Zhang Lian-wei to challenge for the opening day's honour at Macau Golf and Country Club, it was the lesser known Zheng who delivered the goods with a seven-birdie round.

Chinese Taipei duo Wang Ter-chang and Lu Wei-lan ended the day a stroke back while defending champion Jason Knutzon was amongst those sharing fifth place following a 67, and enjoyed the pleasure of outscoring playing partner and former Masters winner Fred Couples by one stroke.

The day belonged the 38-year-old Zheng, who like his namesake was amongst the pioneers of professional golf in China. But while Zhang has soared to international fame with five career victories on the Asian Tour which includes wins over Els, Nick Price and Colin Montgomerie, Zheng has struggled, missing 21 cuts in 29 appearances in Asia since 1997.

Two early exits at the recent Johnnie Walker Classic and BMW Asian Open, both in China, had Zheng thinking about his game and it all started to make sense when he watched world number three Els, who won the BMW event, at the practice range.

"Ernie's grip is a strong one and mine was a lot weaker. So I changed my grip recently and it obviously has worked out well here. This is my best ever round on this course. I must thank Ernie," said a delighted Zheng.

Zheng, whose highest career finish on the Asian Tour is a tied 23rd outing, started strongly with three consecutive birdies from the second hole, peppering the flags with crisp iron play. He roared home with four more birdies against a lone dropped shot at the signature par three 17th hole which plays dramatically downhill onto a narrow green.

"I drove nicely from off the tee and my irons were accurate today. I putted well for the birdies which were inside 12 feet on most occasions. It's a coincidence that I've played better than Zhang Lian-wei but I did feel good out there," he said.

Zheng has made a just over US$16,000 in earnings since 1997 while his famous compatriot, the first Chinese to play at the US Masters last year, has won over US$850,000. But the co-leader has his sights firmly on the US$44,412 top prize in Macau.

"I've not played well over the years as I guess I've been lazy with my practice. But I'm working harder now at my game. I didn't play much abroad earlier on as it was difficult to get visas but now, it's becoming easier," said the Zhongshan-based Zheng.

Both, winner of the Sanya Open in 2003, had a sizzling start, chipping in for birdie on his first hole of the day at the 10th. His only blemish was a double bogey on eight where he flew the green with the wrong club in hand. "I'm very happy with that, considering how I played in the pro-am. The course wasn't easy today but I made the most of the opportunities. I hit some great iron shots and holed a few putts, which was nice.

"I've been playing quite well but without getting the results. It feels like it's been coming for a while and it's nice to put in a good round together," said Both, currently ranked 20th on the Asian Tour money ranking.

The sweet-swinging Couples, second at the SK Telecom Open in Korea last week, stayed within striking reach of the leaders, shooting five birdies against two dropped shots. "It was a good 68. I missed some chances out there but then again, I saved a few. Looking at the scores, I'm pleased to be three back on the first day. It was getting sweaty on our back nine and I misjudged my approach on 13 and shot past the green for bogey. Made another bogey on 16 but it was good to birdie the last after two good shots to the back of the green. I can't shoot even par at any time here and expect to be challenging," said the American, a 15-time winner on the US PGA Tour.

After beating Padraig Harrington in a head-to-head duel to lift the Macau Open title 12 months ago, Knutzon was thrilled to outscore his idol as his defence got off to an impressive start. "It was a lot of fun playing with Fred. I grew up as a Fred Couples fan so it was a pleasure to play with him. I hit a lot of good shots and made some putts. It's a great start. Hopefully it will continue. It's a long way to go, Fred could have had a few more under," said Knutzon.

Local favourite Zhang, winner here in 2001 and 2002, endured a sluggish front half of 37 before roaring home with three birdies to end his day four off the pace. The man who considers Macau his second home wasn't a happy man. "My front nine wasn't good and I'm not happy. It was very hot and sweaty and my concentration wasn't there. I missed some short ones on the 15th and 16th holes but the consolation is that I'm not far back. It's a nice surprise to see Zheng Wen-gen on the board as he missed his last two cuts. But I'm not far back," said the former winner.

Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant, second on the Order of Merit, opened with a 71 with four birdies against just as many bogeys as compatriot Pornsakon Tipsanit took the top Thai honours with an impressive 67.

MACAU: The day belonged to the Lu brothers Friday in the second round of the $5,000 Macau Open.

Lu Wei-lan snatched a one-stroke lead following a masterful five-under-par 66 and younger brother Lu Wei-chih shot the week’s first hole-in-one. Lu Wei-lan, 31, was in irrepressible form at the par-71 Macau Golf and Country Club as he tamed strong winds with six birdies on the card, including four on the treacherous homeward stretch. His two-day total of 10-under-par 132 is one stroke clear of Australian Marcus Both, who moved into contention with a battling 68.

Former Taiwan Open champion Jason Dawes of Australia, who switched to a broomhandle putter this week, was lurking two strokes adrift after a 67 while title holder Jason Knutzon maintained his challenge with a 68 for joint fourth place on 135 alongside China’s Zheng Wen-gen, Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang, Korea’s Suk Jong-yol and Australian Terry Pilkadaris.

But tournament’s drawcard Fred Couples endured a tumultuous day. The former US Masters champion signed for a disappointing 72, which included seven birdies, four bogeys and a quadruple bogey eight. He was a massive eight shots back in tied 24th position. Two-time Macau Open champion Zhang Lian-wei of China failed to ignite his title challenge, shooting a 70 for a two-day score of 139 while the Lu brothers seized the spotlight.

Wei-chih knocked in his fourth career ace with a nine iron at the 150-yard fourth hole en route to a 69 to make the halfway cut. In the afternoon, his older sibling charged through the leaderboard. Wei-lan holed monster putts of 25 feet and 30 feet on the first and third holes to turn at two under before dropping his first bogey of the week on 10. He rebounded superbly with four birdies over his next five holes, thanks to accurate iron play which set up short birdie putts, to surge to the top.

“The wind was a lot stronger today but I hit a low ball, so it’s not a problem for my game,” said Wei-lan. “I knew my brother had shot an ace in the morning but I maintained my focus all day and played really nicely.” After seven years on the Asian Tour, Wei-lan said it’s time for him to make his mark. A tied fourth in Macau two years ago is his only top-10 outing.

“I’ve been working hard at my game with eight-hour practice sessions back home and I feel ready. My heart feels steady this week and I’m feeling good,” said Wei-lan, who has benefited from coaching lessons with Asia’s Visa Dynasty Cup team captain Hsieh Min-nan in the past. Both, 24, who won the Sanya Open in China in his rookie professional year in 2003, birdied three par five challenges on his homeward stretch to lead the chasing pack. His only blemish was a bogey on the fifth after driving into a hazard.

He said his effort left him in “a nice position.” Joint overnight leader Zheng, 38, battled to a 70 to remain within striking distance following a round that included three birdies against two dropped shots. Like many, the unheralded Chinese was caught out by the swirling winds.

His countryman Zhang, a two-time Macau Open champion, saw his title challenge slowed down by an uncharacteristic double bogey on the fifth hole after snap-hooking a drive that landed next to a tree. “If it doesn’t blow tomorrow, I may have a chance to catch the leaders,” said Zhang. The halfway cut was set at 144 to leave 67 players moving into the weekend rounds. Amongst the casualties were Australian Andrew Buckle, tied second at last week’s SK Telecom Open in Korea, and British Open-bound Mardan Mamat of Singapore and another Aussie Richard Moir.

Eight of the 13 Indians made the cut while Harmeet Kahlon was the best, carding four-under 67, in the second round of the Macau Open Golf tournament at the par-71 Macau Golf and Country Club on Friday.

Kahlon, who now has 36-hole total of four-under 138, is four strokes behind leader Lu Wei-lan, who snatched a one-stroke lead following a five-under-par 66, while his younger brother, Lu Wei-chih, shot the week's first hole-in-one.

The Indian, tied 12th, scored more to his liking though the double bogey on the 18th after starting on the tenth rankled him.

The cut, which came at two-over 144, was also successfully achieved by Arjun Singh (68), who was three-under 139 at tied 15th; Amandeep Johl (71) and Uttam Mundy (71) were both at one-under 141 in tied 28th.

Rahil Gangjee (72) was at even-par 142 in tied 38th, while Gurbaaz Mann (70) was tied 51st at one-over 143. Just squeezing inside the cut line was first-timer Sandy Lehal (73, 71) at two-over 144.

Shiv Kapur, who was 12th last week, was among those who missed the cut apart from compatriot Digvijay Singh, Gaurav Ghei, Firoz Ali and Vivek Bhandari.

Arjun Singh, who does not have a card this season and is playing on country spot, had aggregate three-under 139 after a steady round of four birdies and one bogey today.

Johl had just one eagle and two bogeys in his 71, and Uttam Singh Mundy, who had a one-under 70 on first day, also had an eagle on par-4 seventh. He shot a 71 and is tied 28th at one-under 141, the same as Johl.

Particularly pleasing for Kahlon was his six birdies on the front nine, which was his second nine. He also had a bogey on ninth and earlier a double on 18th.

"I hit it close and made some good putts. The longest putt was at the fifth hole where I holed a 35-footer.

"The others were from pretty close range and I'm pleased with this. I've been playing alright over the last few weeks but not scoring well. So it's nice to put in a good round today, especially on the back nine," said Kahlon of his efforts.

But he was somewhat disappointed with the double on the 18th.

"I started from the 10th and had a double bogey on 18. I hit a bad drive to the left and into the hazard and ran up a double.

"Yesterday, I made birdie there. It shows that on this course, you just take what it gives. However, I do like playing in Macau as I finished fifth here last year, so it does help with the confidence."

Another Indian, Mundy, said, "I've been trying to play well on the Asian Tour and to be more consistent. I've taken up yoga eight months ago where the focus is on power and meditation. I've had lapses in concentration in the past and hopefully, the yoga will help me improve on this aspect.

"I'm pleased with my swing, it's pretty compact now and I just need to score better now. It's always one bad round that hurt my game," said Mundy, who also uses a camera to analyse his own game.

The 31-year-old Wei-lan was in great form at the as he tamed strong winds with six birdies on the card, including four on the treacherous homeward stretch.

His two-day total of 10-under-par 132 is one stroke clear of Australian Marcus Both, who moved into contention with a battling 68.

The tournament's star Fred Couples had a tough day. The former US Masters champion signed for a disappointing 72, which included seven birdies, four bogeys and a quadruple bogey eight and was a massive eight shots back in tied 24th position.

Zhang Lianwei never had childhood dreams of being a golfer. The Chinese star was training as a javelin thrower before he first picked up a club while caddying in 1985.

But since turning pro in 1994, Zhang has beaten some of the best. He became the first Chinese player to win a European Tour event when he held off Ernie Els by a stroke at the 2003 Singapore Masters, and he beat three-time major winner Nick Price in a playoff to win here three years ago.

Last year, Zhang became the first golfer from China to play in the US Masters and is also the first Chinese player to make the cut at a PGA Tour event.

Not bad considering the 40-year-old was close to taking up bowling instead of golf after he packed away his javelin. And he taught himself how to play.

Now, Zhang is working on winning his third Macau Open. He won back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002, the second after holding off Price at the fifth playoff hole.

Zhang on Friday finished the second round of the Macau Open seven strokes off the lead.

But his overall success is sparking golf fever in China. For decades, golf was considered a bourgeois sport that didn't mix with proletarian tastes in Communist China, but the game is catching on fast in the economic-booming nation.

China has become a focal point for development of the Asian Tour, which has scheduled seven tournaments there this year.

Asian Tour player Jason Knutzon of the United States _ last year's Macau Open winner _ says Zhang is already a popular sports star in China. ``It's like the reaction Tiger Woods gets in the States. He has a big fan following, and he should.''

Zhang has another special connection to Woods. Last year, Zhang named his baby son ``Tiger.''

Former US Masters champion Fred Couples, who is competing against Zhang in Macau, said it was great to see the Chinese golfer drawing new fans to the game.

``I enjoy seeing people's reactions. It's fun,'' said Couples, a 15-time winner on the US PGA tour.

Zhang also sees himself as a golf diplomat who's showcasing his nation's athletic prowess.

``I want to bring Chinese golf to the world. A lot of people don't know about Chinese golfers, so I want to play in tournaments around the world to promote our cause,'' he said.

Zhang, who has won more than US$800,000 (euro626,400) in earnings, is nicknamed ``Mr. Volvo'' because of his success at events sponsored by the Swedish carmaker. His wins include the 2003 Volvo China Open, the 1995 and 1996 Volvo Masters of Malaysia and the 1995 and 1996 Volvo Masters of Thailand.

His strength on the links is not lost on his opponents.

``He is very consistent,'' Couples said. ``He hits the ball solid, with very few misses. That's very important in golf.''

But Zhang is critical of his own game as he tries to pull out of an 18-month title drought.

``My swing hasn't been good lately,'' he said. ``I must improve.''

Zhang says he likes competing against the best because he can better judge his form.

``You know, to see if I can drive as far as they can or be as accurate. It's invaluable experience,'' he said.

Zhang, ranked 23rd on the Asian Tour, is constantly working to maintain a high level of fitness in his bid to work his way up the order of merit.

``Fitness is very important,'' Zhang said. ``I play some other sports to keep that up, games like ping pong and basketball. I also do a little bit of gym work to get more power.''

MACAU (AP) - Taiwan's Wang Ter-chang shot a 3-under 68 Sunday to win the Macau Open for his first title in six years.

Former Masters champion Fred Couples made an eagle on the par-5 18th hole, but also had three bogeys and a double bogey for a final round 70, nine strokes off the lead.

Wang, who entered the final round atop the leaderboard, started with four
birdies on the front nine at the Macau Golf and Country Club, but slipped on the back nine with consecutive bogeys on the par-5 12th and 13th holes.

He stayed on par for the rest of his round and finished at 14-under 270 for the tournament.

``At my age, it feels great to win again,'' said Wang, who last won the 1999 Myanmar Open. ``It's not often that golfers can win when they are 42. I hope it won't be another six years before I win again.''

Australia's Marcus Both carded a 66 and Jarrod Lyle shot a 67 to finish tied for second at 13 under.

Defending champion Jason Knutzon shot a 70 and finished four back, with fellow American Edward Loar (71) and Australian Terry Pilkadaris (68).

Couples tied for second at the SK Telecom Open in South Korea last week, and said he enjoyed his time in Macau despite the way he finished.

``It's been a fun week. But it was a bit too erratic this week for me to have really challenged. It was tough out there with the heat and wind but I've had a good time,'' Couples said.

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Wang Ter-chang of Chinese Taipei struck a winning note for the old boys on Sunday when he held his nerve to lift the Macau Open title by one stroke and end his six-year winless run.

The 42-year-old veteran carded a final round of three-under-par 68 for a 14-under-par 270 total on a wind-swept day at Macau Golf and Country Club and edged out Australian duo Jarrod Lyle and Marcus Both, who signed off with 67 and 66 respectively.

Title holder Jason Knutzon of the United States shared fourth place with compatriot Edward Loar and Australian Terry Pilkadaris on 274 while two-time champion Zhang Lian-wei of China shot the day's best of 65 to finish eighth.

Former Masters winner Fred Couples gave his legion of supporters plenty to cheer about with an outstanding finish of birdie and eagle over his closing two holes for a 70 and finished joint 12th.

"At my age, it feels great to win again. It's not often that golfers can win when they are 42. I had a chance at the Volvo Masters of Asia (last December but finished third) but this week, I felt good. I hope it won't be another six years before I win again. Hopefully next year," said a beaming Wang, whose two career victories on the Asian Tour were at the 1997 Ta Shee Open on home soil and 1999 Myanmar Open.

After seizing the third round lead on Saturday, Wang, who pocketed US$43,312, was confident he would claim victory and he certainly lived up to his words. He had to endure some anxious moments with consecutive bogeys on the 12th and 13th holes, both par fives, before regaining the lead, which he would not lose again, at the 15th hole with a glorious birdie.

There, he nailed a wedge to three feet of the flag for his sixth birdie of the day but Wang said the birdie on 11, which gave him a three-shot cushion over the field, was pleasing as he splashed out from the greenside bunker and straight into the hole.

"I was watching the leaderboard all day and the birdie on 11 was important as it gave me a cushion before my consecutive bogeys on 12 and 13. After regaining my lead on 15, I just played steadily and when I hit the green in regulation on the last hole, I knew I would win. I think I still have a good future in the game," said Wang, who became the third oldest winner on the Asian Tour after Boonchu Ruangkit of Thailand and American Mike Cunning.

The 23-year-old Lyle, who overcame leukaemia six years ago, was in the mix with an outward 32 but his title hopes dipped when an aggressive play at the par five 12th saw him run up a double bogey. Still the Asian Tour rookie was delighted with his tied second outing, worth US$23,168.

"I went out there today and did everything I wanted to do. I was very aggressive but it probably didn't pay off on 12 when I made a double bogey. I drove it to the right rough and caught a pretty good lie and tried to hit a three wood and get it close to the green. But I blocked it right and never saw it and lost it down the hill. I could have birdied every hole coming in but all in all, it's been a good week," said Lyle.

His outstanding finish was satisfying as his mother, Sally, was with him in Macau. "Mum's been a big support all through my life. We were in Hong Kong last week and spent a lot of money. It's nice to finish well to reimburse myself a little bit!" said the Melbourne-based Lyle.

Both charged into contention with three consecutive birdies from the second hole and was six-under for the day through 13 holes. He held a share of the lead twice with Wang on the home stretch but the Aussie, winner of the 2003 Sanya Open in China, was blown off course with costly bogeys on the par three 14th and 17th holes before ensuring a share of second with a closing birdie.

As he watched Wang wrap up the victory by the 18th greenside, Both said: "I was hoping for Wang to birdie the last. It makes it less painful to lose by two rather than one. I can't be disappointed with the way I played today. I got off to a fast start which was about as much as I could have done.

"I misjudged the breeze on the par three's and hit a bit too much club on 14. I missed some birdies after that and had a close on 16 but missed from 12 feet. On 17, I started the ball where I wanted to and it didn't move which was completely different from yesterday's wind," said Both.

Couples drained a 40-foot birdie putt on the 17th and nailed a 25-footer for eagle on the 18th and ended the week nine shots behind the winner. "It's been a fun week. But it was a bit too erratic this week for me to have really challenged. It was tough out there with the heat and wind but I've had a good time. I enjoyed playing golf in Asia for the past two weeks," said the American, who was tied second in Korea last Sunday.

Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant, second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, finished in a disappointing equal 26th on 283 after closing with a 71. The Asian Tour will move to the Philippine Open next week.

MACAU: Arjun Singh, who lost his Asian Tour card last year after holding it for six years since 1997, gave himself a fair chance of getting back into the fold with a tied eighth place finish at the USD 275,000 Macau Open golf tournament here.

Arjun carded a four-under 67 on the final day to finish with a total of eight-under 278, as the 42-year-old Wang Ter-chang of Chinese Taipei ended a six-year winless streak emerging victorious by just one stroke over the Australian duo of Jarrod Lyle and Marcus Both, who made a fine charge with 67 and 66 respectively.

Amandeep Johl climbed to tied 20th with a final round of 70.

Wang wins in thriller

CHUAH CHOO CHIANG

Macau _ Wang Ter-chang of Taiwan struck a winning note for the old boys yesterday when he held his nerve to lift the Macau Open title by one stroke and end his six-year winless run.

The 42-year-old veteran carded a final round of three-under-par 68 for a 14-under-par 270 total on a wind-swept day at Macau Golf and Country Club and edged out Australian duo Jarrod Lyle and Marcus Both, who signed off with 67 and 66 respectively.

Title holder Jason Knutzon of the United States shared fourth place with compatriot Edward Loar and Australian Terry Pilkadaris on 274 while two-time champion Zhang Lian-wei of China shot the day's best of 65 to finish eighth.

Former Masters winner Fred Couples gave his legion of supporters plenty to cheer about with an outstanding finish of birdie and eagle over his closing two holes for a 70 and finished joint 12th.

``At my age, it feels great to win again. It's not often that golfers can win when they are 42. I hope it won't be another six years before I win again. Hopefully next year,'' said a beaming Wang, whose two career victories on the Asian Tour were at the 1997 Ta Shee Open on home soil and 1999 Myanmar Open. He became the third oldest winner on the Asian Tour after Thai Boonchu Ruangkit and American Mike Cunning.

After seizing the third round lead on Saturday, Wang, who pocketed US$43,312, was confident he would claim victory and he certainly lived up to his words. He had to endure some anxious moments with consecutive bogeys on the 12th and 13th holes, both par fives, before regaining the lead, which he would not lose again, at the 15th hole with a glorious birdie.

The 23-year-old Lyle, who overcame leukaemia six years ago, was in the mix with an outward 32 but his title hopes dipped when an aggressive play at the par five 12th saw him run up a double bogey. Still the Asian Tour rookie was delighted with his tied second outing, worth US$23,168.

Couples drained a 40-foot birdie putt on the 17th and nailed a 25-footer for eagle on the 18th and ended the week nine shots behind the winner. ``It's been a fun week. But it was a bit too erratic this week for me to have really challenged. It was tough out there with the heat and wind but I've had a good time. I enjoyed playing golf in Asia,'' said the American, who was tied second in Korea last Sunday.

Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant, second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, finished in a disappointing equal 26th on 283 after closing with a 71. The Asian Tour will move to the Philippine Open next week.

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Sep 02, 05 | 12:19 pm

The Westin Resort Macau is the ideal retreat for golfers, as guests have exclusive access to Championship golf course on the resort's roof.

Designed by Mr. Hiroshi Ikeda, the golf course is directly accessible from the top floor of Westin Resort Macau. The Club has been meticulously planned to combine a resort ambience with a par 71-championship 18-hole golf course.

Many renowned golfers on this course included Englishman Lee Westwood and Nick Faldo, Fijian Vijay Singh, Northern Ireland Darren Clarke, American John Daly, Fred Couples and Mark O'Meara, Scottish Colin Montgomerie, Irishman Padraig Harrington and Chinese Zhang Lianwei.

Nature herself created a magnificent setting for this truly unique resort and golf course. Guests can tee off against some of the most spectacular views of Coloane Island and the South China Sea. This challenging golf course offers a wide variety of interesting playing conditions and includes holes ranging from flat to undulating and with strategically placed bunkers and lakes. An abundance of natural flora adds seasonal color to the golf course, creating a truly memorable and breathtaking playing experience.

The Macau Golf & Country Club is home to the annual international Macau Open, which attracts some of the world’s top professional golfers. In 2005, the tournament was held in May 12-15 where Taiwanese veteran Wang Ter-Chang lifted the trophy after 4 days of grueling competition with a total of 14-under-par 270. Australians Marcus Both and Jarrod Lyle finished one shot behind on 13 under to share second spot. In joint-fourth place was another Australian Terry Pilkadaris and American Jason Knutzon, the winner last year. China’s most-recognized golfing face, Zhang Lianwei, finished joint-eight on 6 under while drawcard Fred Couples was joint-12th, 11 strokes behind the leader,

For guests of The Westin Resort, Macau, special golfing privileges are extended on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays. A variety of competitively priced golf retreat packages are available from The Westin Resort Macau. More golfing information can be viewed at www.westin-macau.com

Golfing Fast Facts
Course- Par 71, 6,557 Yards Tournament tees

Hole 1 Par 4 394 Yds.
This pleasant opening hole requires a straight drive to avoid well-placed fairway bunkers. The second shot to a well-bunkered large green plays further than it looks, so ensure you have enough club.

Hole 2 Par 5 498 Yds.
A left to right dog-leg par 5 requiring a long straight drive to get to the dog-leg and avoid the bunkers. Big hitters may reach the green in two. A well placed second shot is needed to open up the green for a short iron third.

Hole 3 Par 4 332 Yds.
This very tight, rising par 4 needs an accurate tee shot to place the ball between the out of bounds and three bunkers. The elevated green makes club selection for the second shot very tricky.

Hole 4 Par 3 152 Yds.
This is a straightforward par 3 made awkward by swirling winds around the green. A definite birdie chance for any good iron player.

Hole 5 Par 4 474 Yds.
An elevated tee gives the player a view of all the trouble to be negotiated. This hole requires a good long drive to allow the opportunity to try for the green tucked in a hazard protected hollow. Hole 5 is the toughest par 4 on the course, a real card wrecker.

Hole 6 Par 3 140 Yds.
Out of bounds on the left and water behind on the right makes this relatively simple hole harder to play than it should be.

Hole 7 Par 4 317 Yds.
Out of bounds, ravines, a narrow fairway, and elevation changes make this short par 4 quite daunting. The sensible play is a long iron to the centre of fairway, which sets up a mid to short iron blind second shot to a well-bunkered elevated green.

Hole 8 Par 4 370 Yds.
A definite birdie chance if you can avoid the fairway bunkers from the picturesque elevated tee. A small, very undulating green places a premium on pinpoint accuracy for the short iron second shot.

Hole 9 Par 4 405 Yds.
A straight away down hill par 4. If you can thread your tee shot through the fairway bunkers you find yourself with a mid to short iron down hill shot to a heavily bunkered sloping green.

Hole 10 Par 4 396 Yds.
An intimidating tee shot that requires a fade to put the ball on the right side of the fairway. This sets up a mid-iron to a raised upturned saucer shaped green. Make par or better on this hole and you deserve a pat on the back.

Hole 11 Par 3 230 Yds.
This is a tough par 3. Pinpoint accuracy with a long iron or fairway wood is your only chance of hitting this punishing green.

Hole 12 Par 5 574 Yds.
This classic par 5 rises from tee to green and is a genuine three shotter. A booming drive is needed to carry the water, followed by an accurate fairway wood which will set up a mid iron third to a violently sloping two-tier green.

Hole 13 Par 5 536 Yds.
Trouble all the way down the right side makes accuracy rather than length the requirement for this hole. A good short iron third shot to the elevated green will set up a birdie chance if you can negotiate the swirling winds around the green.

Hole 14 Par 3 201 Yds.
Trouble down the right, bunkers on the left and a small sloping green make this the toughest par 3 on the course.

Hole 15 Par 4 339 Yds.
A long iron or fairway wood off the tee will set up a short iron over water to the sunken green. This pretty hole is a definite birdie chance.

Hole 16 Par 4 410 Yds.
Anything but a perfect drive will leave a second shot off an upward sloping lie to a long two-tier green with hazards behind and to the right. This seemingly simple hole can be a real card wrecker.

Hole 17 Par 3 225 Yds.
This spectacular par 3 has an elevated tee 140 feet above a big green surrounded by cliffs and shrub land to the right and the South China Sea to the left. Anything other than the perfect tee shot will result in disaster.

Hole 18 Par 5 564 Yds.
Big hitters may risk going for this green in two, but sea, lakes, deep greenside bunkers and out of bounds usually forces a lay up second shot. This leaves a mid to short iron third over water to a sloping elevated green with out of bounds just over the back.