Royal Trophy set for China debut

China will host the Royal Trophy team event for the first time this year, organisers said on Tuesday, adding to a list of big golf tournaments in the country.

Dragon Lake Golf Club, Guangdong, China

HONG KONG, May 21, 2013 (AFP) - The seventh edition of the tournament between Asia and Europe will be held at Dragon Lake Golf Club in the southern province of Guangdong, from December 20-22, they said in a press release.

"The first hosting of the Royal Trophy in China is a historic event," said players committee member Nick Faldo, a six-time major-winner.

Asia are the holders of the trophy after a dramatic play-off win at last year's edition in Brunei.

This year, China's golf events include the lucrative BMW Masters and WGC-HSBC Champions, both in Shanghai, plus the European-sanctioned Volvo China Open and a new LPGA women's event in Beijing.