US Open champion Rory McIlroy will headline a star-studded quartet of golfers set to fly through seven Chinese cites in seven days for October’s Shui On Land China Golf Challenge – one of golf’s most innovative competitions.
Ernie Els, a former world number one and three-time major champion, Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter and Chinese number one Liang Wen-chong will also compete in the made-for-television competition from October 10-16, which will be broadcast globally on Golfing World and distributed internationally by IMG Media.
The ‘fab four’ will play only 18 holes over the week, competing on just two or three holes at each of the eight courses. The event will tee off in the east-coast metropolis of Shanghai then head to the northern cities of Dalian and Beijing, with play in the capital taking place over two courses.
The travelling show then flies inland to the western city of Chongqing before swooping south through Haikou on the tropical island of Hainan, Dongguan and the former Portuguese colony of Macau.
Twenty-two year-old McIlroy, golf’s biggest attraction since winning June’s US Open by eight shots, was quick to book his ticket for the city-hopping event, having only visited Shanghai and Guangdong province on previous visits to mainland China.
“I’m always keen for a challenge, but this is different to any golf tournament I’ve competed in. For me, this will be as much about exploring China as competing, and I’ve got some good travel companions in Ian [Poulter], Ernie [Els] and Liang [Wen-chong]. Hopefully Liang can give us some local tips on the best food,” joked the popular Northern Irishman.
“It’s a frenetic schedule as we’re flying six times in the middle five days. The only days we’re not on a plane are the first and last days, but don’t forget that we have to fly in and out of China before and after the event, so this will be a serious test of endurance!”
Like golf’s version of an ‘Amazing Race’ around China, the Shui On Land China Golf Challenge will offer a lively and colourful insight into different parts of China. The itinerary features pro-ams, coaching clinics, entertainment and publicity events while the golfers will get the chance to sample each city’s local cuisine and culture.
“This is a first for golf and a first for China. We’ve got four of the world’s most popular golfers, yet the seven cities, eight golf courses and China itself are also going to be the stars of the show,” said Raymond Roessel, Managing Director of tournament organiser Infinite Ideas International. “The Shui On Land China Golf Challenge will combine world-class golf with travel, tourism, business and great entertainment. It’s going to hard work, but a lot of fun.”