Feng and Hull headline in Shanghai

China’s World No 5 Shanshan Feng and reigning European No 1 Charley Hull are the star attractions at this week’s Buick Championship in Shanghai.
The Ladies European Tour (LET) event starts on Thursday at Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club.
Formerly played as the Buick Invitational on the China LPGA tour in 2014, the tournament has made a big step up in becoming co-sanctioned with the LET for the first time in 2015, with an international field of competitors from 22 countries and regions, increased prize money of USD $600,000 and live television coverage at the weekend.
With the Shanghai GM Buick brand as title sponsor, the tournament keeps its unique structure.
The field of 108 competitors, comprising 47 players from the LET, 47 players from the CLPGA and 14 invitees, will play in a 72-hole individual stroke play competition with a cut to the leading 50 professionals and those tied after the second round.
However, for the weekend, every player making the cut will be assigned an amateur partner for the unique Pro-Am team event running concurrently, with an additional purse of USD $50,000.
As Buick’s golf ambassador, Feng is looking forward to her first appearance of 2015 in China.
“To participate on the Ladies European Tour in mainland China is a rare opportunity, so I would like to extend my thanks Buick and Qizhong Golf Club for their support of the event,” she said.
“In last year’s Buick Invitational, I was involved in youth education, so I’m very happy to be able to come to the Buick Championship this year to participate. This is my first game of the season domestically, but also my first international professional tournament played in Shanghai, so I’m very excited and looking forward to it.”
Fellow OMEGA ambassador Hull added: “I enjoy China and I think this golf course looks really nice. I played with Shanshan three years ago in the British Open when I was an amateur. I’ve been playing really well but there are some good players here this week so I think it will be a good test.”
Latest
-
News
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson confirmed for US PGA Championship
Woods last appeared at the Masters while Mickelson has not played since February.
-
European Tour
Thorbjorn Olesen savours ‘special’ British Masters win after ‘some tough years’
The Dane was at a loss for words after securing his first win since 2018.
-
European Tour
Thorbjorn Olesen in command at British Masters but braced for final-day nerves
The Dane holds a three-shot lead on 11 under par.
-
European Tour
Danny Willett likes idea of presenting British Masters trophy to himself
The tournament host is three shots off the lead at the halfway stage.
-
News
Justin Rose drives to make golf accessible to all
The Olympic gold medallist is dreaming of getting the sport on the national curriculum.
-
PGA Tour
I can’t wait to leave this tour – Sergio Garcia set to join Saudi golf circuit
The Spaniard lost his cool.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy ‘pretty happy’ after eventful start to Wells Fargo title defence
The Northern Irishman finished the opening round with a three-under-par 67, two shots off the club house lead.
-
European Tour
I want to win again: Thorbjorn Olesen claims share of lead at British Masters
Olesen carded six birdies and no bogeys in a superb 66 to top the leaderboard alongside New Zealand’s Ryan Fox.
-
News
Justin Rose has no plans to play Saudi-backed event as he targets career goals
Lee Westwood, Richard Bland and Phil Mickelson are among the players who are looking to compete in next months 25million US dollar event.
-
European Tour
Thorbjorn Olesen sets early clubhouse target at British Masters
Olesen carded six birdies and no bogeys in a superb 66 at The Belfry.