The Irish duo of Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke will cast aside the 2014 Ryder Cup captaincy debate for a shot at a cool winner-takes-all $US 1m first prize cheque on Hainan Island in China.

McGinley and Clarke will join an elite field of professionals teeing up today (Frid) in the three-day Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am taking place at the spectacular Mission Hills Resort complex at Haikou.

Two years ago Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie was all set to bank the $1m prize cheque until he fell foul of the rules in removing an advertising sign and handing the money to Women’s World No. 1 Lorena Ochua.

McGinley and Clarke will join nine other male pros, including Ryder Cup winning captains, Tony Jacklin and Ian Woosnam along with USA Ryder Cup star, Matt Kuchar plus 2005 U.S. Open winner, Michael Campbell competing on the Blackstone Course where twelve months Kuchar and compatriot Gary Woodland captured the World Cup of Golf.

Thirteen female players will also compete headed by England’s Melissa Reid who starred in last year’s thrilling European Solheim Cup success in Ireland. 

Among the celebrities competing on Hainan Island is Olympic swim legend, Michael Phelps and fresh from holing a 51-yard eagle putt for a net ace during the recent Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

“It’s just great to be back at Mission Hills, it’s my second time and I’m looking forward to being a lot more relaxed than I have been in past pro-am, so should be a fun couple of days,” said Phelps.

“Being able to play some of the coolest, most challenging golf courses that I’ve ever played is what I love to do now. There are a lot of great people here and I’ve always had a great experience at Mission Hills. To be able to go out and play with the other celebrities and athletes that are here is something I’m looking forward to and hopefully I’ll play well.”

Lining up alongside Phelps from the world of sport is former NBA superstar Yao Ming, seven time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry, former Wimbledon tennis champion Pat Cash, former Olympic swimming champion Luo Xuejuan and World Cup winning Brazilian footballer Ronaldo.

Ronaldo said: ““It is an honour and pleasure to be here and I’m very excited to play golf at Mission Hills. I like to play golf like a used to play football, I like to have fun and hit some good shots.”