[April 19, Macau] The 2018 Grand Star Macau Golf Masters Tournament teed off yesterday at the Macau Caesar Golf Course. As the world’s largest golf tournament dedicated to individuals with intellectual disabilities, it gathered 21 teams from 17 countries and regions, who will vie intensely over the next three days for the title.
Officials from the Macao Special Administrative Region's Social Affairs and Culture Bureau, representatives from the event organizers, the exclusive title sponsor Grand Star Group, and delegates from the participating teams attended the opening tee-off ceremony.
A spokesperson for the event organizers stated that the annual Macau Golf Masters Tournament has reached its seventh edition this year. With six years of development and accumulation, coupled with the strong support of the Grand Star Group this year, the tournament has reached new heights in both scale and impact. Today, the Macau Golf Masters is not only an important international sporting event but also a socially impactful public welfare initiative that is gaining increasing international recognition in the field of supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. We hope that with the joint efforts of the Grand Star Group and other partners, the social influence of the Macau Golf Masters will continue to grow stronger this year, encouraging more people to join in supporting and assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The organizers also noted that the international community has responded enthusiastically to the tournament, making it an indispensable annual event within just a few years. The competition has expanded from participation by just over ten countries and regions to include 21 nations this year, such as the United States, South Africa, Malaysia, and China, fully demonstrating the tournament’s international standing.
As the exclusive title sponsor of this year’s event, a representative from the Grand Star Group said that the Grand Star Macau Golf Masters Tournament, as a significant international sporting event, not only showcases society’s inclusiveness toward people of all backgrounds but also proves the abilities and value of individuals with intellectual disabilities. All participants are not just athletes in this tournament but also represent the hopes of the world. We believe that through this event, they will show the world that they can go further, and that we can do more.
It is understood that the Grand Star Group is one of Macau’s leading service enterprises, committed to building a diversified international brand that provides customized services to high-end clients worldwide who value detail. Grand Star adheres to a customer-first philosophy, with operations spanning Asia and reaching globally, covering sectors such as high-end travel and entertainment, real estate, aircraft leasing, luxury retail, information technology, arts and culture, dining, and wine trading. The Grand Star Group will continue to invest in the high-end consumer industry while making every effort to give back to society and serve as a model corporate citizen.
It is reported that the Grand Star Macau Golf Masters Tournament, which is specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities around the world, differs in format from traditional golf tournaments. To better accommodate participants with intellectual disabilities, the tournament has set up three distinct levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 5. Level 1 is tailored for beginners, focusing on individual skill competitions centered around basic golf techniques; Level 2 serves as a transitional level for players with some foundational skills; and Level 5 is the highest level in golf, featuring a three-day elite competition for players with ample experience and skills, following the same format as standard golf tournaments.
To ensure all participants receive adequate professional care and technical guidance during the competition, all supporting organizations involved in the tournament have dispatched guide caddies to accompany the players throughout the event.
Thanks to the meticulous organization by the organizing committee, the first day of the tournament was filled with exciting moments. Among them, in the most competitive and spectator-friendly Level 5 category, the world’s No. 1 South African golfer Thomas Lugg returned this year to challenge for his sixth championship title in the event. Thomas Lugg, who has won three Special Olympics gold medals, hit the ceremonial first tee shot on behalf of all participants during the opening ceremony.
It is said that this South African golfer has the potential to compete in professional championships, thereby fulfilling the long-held dream of seeing golfers with intellectual disabilities participate in professional events. Furthermore, Thomas Lugg’s advancement into the professional arena also helps demonstrate the potential of individuals with special needs. Contributing to this goal is also one of the objectives of the Grand Star Macau Golf Masters Tournament.
A spokesperson for the tournament organizers said, “The players’ full commitment has set a great tone for the event, and we have even greater expectations for the next two days.” Players will continue their competition on the 19th, with the champion, runner-up, and third-place winners to be decided on the 20th.
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