The Chinese pair of Wenchong Liang and Xin-jun Zhang is under no illusion they face an uphill battle to win the Omega Mission Hills World Cup for a first time for their host nation.
The 56th staging of the World Cup is being played this week for an initial occasion on the stunning Mission Hills complex at Haikou on Hainan Island off the south-east China coast.
The complex boasts 10 golf courses with a further two in the construction stage and Liang and Zhang got their first look today at the Blackstone course that is hosting the $US 7.5m event.
“There is going to be a lot of pressure on Xin-jun and myself this week but at the same time we can also use that as motivation,” he said.
Wenchong Liang (left) and Xin-jun Zhang looking to bring a first World Cup success for China. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“It’s going to be another good opportunity to promote golf in China and we should also have a lot of Chinese supporters this week following us.
“If we were to win, and I think we do have a strong chance, it would be wonderful for the growth of golf in China.
“But win or lose the fact China is participating and the tournament is being held in China will have a huge impact.
“There is many strong teams here this week like the German team with (Martin) Kaymer, and the Ireland team with Rory (McIlroy) and (Graeme) McDowell, and there is the South African side with also two Major winners.
“So we do face a big battle if we are to win and it will depend if we can get off to a good start as that will be the key.”
Despite drizzling rain, Liang, a 16-time winner in his pro career, walked from the host Blackstone course very impressed with the layout.
“It’s the first time I have been to Hainan Island to play golf and it is an excellent golf course,” said Liang.
“It looks very special and is very good but there is a lot of volcanic rock, so it is very unique.
“This is a huge project here and is very impressive and we Chinese don’t do things in small measures.”
Liang, 33 is making his fourth appearance for China and with both he and Zhang proudly wearing the Chinese flag on their shirts.
“It is an honour to be representing my country and I am very proud to have the China flag on my shirt,” said Liang.
“But then when I am playing on the European Tour I am also representing China.”
Liang will tee up having shared 33rd place in his last event, the Barclays Singapore Open while Zhang was tied 13th a week earlier in the WGC – HSBC Champions in Shanghai.
