China's big guns sign up for Zhuhai Leg
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-10-08 11:41

HONG KONG (AFP) - China's two best-known professional golfers have signed up to play in next week's China Tour - Zhuhai Leg.

Zhang Lianwei, the first Chinese golfer to play in the US Masters, and Liang Wenchong, who spends most of his time playing on the Japan Golf Tour, will tee it up with the rest of the Mainland's professionals at the Zhuhai Golden Gulf Golf Club on Thursday.

Both players will be making their debuts on the fledgling circuit, which began in August this year with the aim of helping develop the growth of professional golf in China through its 100,000 US dollar tournaments.

"We're delighted they've made the commitment. I'm sure they'll be relishing the chance to see how the China Tour is impacting their friends and rivals among their fellow professionals," said Nick Mould from the World Sport Group, the China Golf Association's China Tour partners.

"I hope what they'll notice is how quickly the standard is improving and how positive and energized the players have become by the opportunities presented by the China Tour," he added.

For Zhang in particular, the occasion will be memorable as it represents a homecoming. The 40-year-old, who has been a pathfinder for his trade in China, was born in Nanshui in Zhuhai. Before turning professional he was a caddie master at one of the city's golf clubs and is relishing a return to the banks of the Pearl River Delta.

"I feel like I am in my hometown playing there," said Zhang, who, among the many firsts he has recorded for his country, is becoming the first Chinese player to win a European PGA event, when he beat Ernie Els in the Caltex Masters in 2003.