In a major boost for Chinese golf World No. 2 Lee Westwood will join management stable mate, Rory McIlroy in an exciting new golf challenge taking place from October 10th to 16th in China.
The Shui On Land China Golf Challenge will feature Westwood, World No. 4 McIlroy, World No. 18 Ian Poulter and China’s No. 1 Liang Wen-chong for the innovative, made-for-television tournament.
The four golfers will compete over two or three holes at each of eight courses in Shanghai (October 10), Beijing (October 11 and 12), Dalian (October 13), Chongqing (October 14), Dongguan (October 15) and Macau (October 16).
The tournament is being co-sanctioned by the European Tour, and the players will also participate in pro-am’s and host coaching clinics at selected venues.
At the end of each day’s play, Liang will play the role of host as he shows Westwood, Poulter and McIlroy the culture and attractions of each city.
Destinations include the ‘Shanghai Xintiandi’ entertainment district and Shui On Land’s Tiandi development in Chongqing, featuring the famous ‘Shark Bar’ in the Chongqing 88 boutique hotel.
“I’ve played in China before, but I’m really excited about the Shui On Land China Golf Challenge because we’ll be visiting six cities spread across the country and playing eight top-class courses,” said Westwood.
“China is really booming and each time I visit I’m always surprised at how it’s changing, so this event should be a real eye opener.
“Along with the golf, this will be a sightseeing tour with good friends. Of course, I’m good mates with ‘Poult’s’ and Rory from the European Tour and I’ve played with Liang a few times, although I’m going to know him a lot better after this.
“None of the rest of us speaks Chinese, so Liang will be the most important player there!”
Vincent Lo, Chairman of Shui On Land, believes the addition of the world number two has boosted the calibre of the field.
“We’re delighted that Lee Westwood will compete in the inaugural Shui On Land China Golf Challenge, which now features two of the world’s top four players,” Lo said.
“Lee will enjoy a unique tour around China and visit many dynamic cities and spectacular golf courses for the first time, so we welcome him aboard this momentous journey.”
IMG will ‘roadcast’ the Shui On Land China Golf Challenge globally on Golfing World and distributed internationally by IMG Media.
The schedule is:
October 10: Shanghai – Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club
October 11: Beijing – Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club
October 12: Beijing – Topwin Golf and Country Club & Jade Island International Golf Club
October 13: Dalian – Red Flag Valley
October 14: Chongqing – Sun Kingdom Golf Club
October 15: Dongguan – Long Island Golf and Country Club
October 16: Macau – Caesars Golf Macau
