Chiangmai, Thailand: China’s trailblazer Zhang Lian-wei and rising stars Hu Mu and Ye Jian-feng will converge at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT next week as they go head-to-head with Major champions Ernie Els, Michael Campbell, Y.E. Yang and the Asian Tour’s top stars.

The US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour event will be staged at the magnificent Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai from March 28-31, signaling the first time that the northern city of Chiangmai will host a world-class golf tournament.

Thai stars Thongchai Jaidee, Boonchu Ruangkit, Chapchai Nirat, Prom Meesawat and Chawalit Plaphol, winner of the season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open last month, will spearhead the local charge in the region’s newest event which forms part of the Asian Tour’s milestone 10th season celebration in 2013.

The 47-year-old Zhang has blazed a golden trail for Chinese golf since he broke onto the scene in the mid-1990s. The self-taught Zhang is the country’s most successful golfer with five Asian Tour victories under his belt and although he is advancing with age, he believes he can still compete at the highest level on the Asian Tour.

“I have enjoyed my time on the Asian Tour as it allowed me to grow and become a truly international player. Through the Tour, I’ve had the opportunity to play in different countries and experience different cultures across Asia which helped me to develop as a golfer,” said Zhang.

While Zhang has placed China golf firmly on the world map, the new kids on the block are ready to take over the mantle and carry the flag on the Asian Tour.

The 23-year-old Hu, who is touted as the next great Chinese hope, has taken up membership with the Asian Tour this season as he seeks to establish himself on the region’s premier Tour, which was launched as a players’ organisation in 2004.

Hu finished tied 39th in Myanmar last month and believes he can continue to make good progress in his career. “I see a lot of good things and I just need to put everything together. I’ve already committed to playing a full season on the Asian Tour and I’m looking forward to it,” said Hu, who trains under American swing guru David Leadbetter.

“My game is there. Sometimes, the consistency which is caused by mental errors or lack of strategy, I think I need to improve on the small aspects outside of the game. My game, putting and chipping is very good at the moment. Just need to improve on the little stuff to make the rounds better.”

Ye is also hoping to start making an impression on the Asian Tour, although he will forever be in the Tour’s record books by being the youngest ever player to compete in a tournament as he teed up in the 2004 Sanya Open in China as a 13-year-old.

The Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT is primed to extensively promote Chiangmai as a top golfing and tourist destination through the four days of live broadcasts on the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.

The Chiangmai Golf Classic is supported by PTT Group Company Limited, one of the largest corporations in Thailand, while other premier sponsors include PTT Public Company Ltd, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Advanced Info Service Plc, Siam Commercial Bank PCL, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Provincial Government of Chiangmai, Chiangmai Provincial Administrative Organisation, CAT Telecom Public Company Ltd, TOT Public Company Ltd, Thai Airways International Public Company Ltd, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, Samart I-mobile PCL , Loxley Wireless Co Ltd, Forth Corporation Public Company Ltd, J.R.W Utility Plc, Standard Tour Co Ltd, Advanced Information Technology Public Company Ltd, Fenix Apparel and Accessories Co Ltd and Sports Authority of Thailand.

The Chiangmai Golf Classic will be a 72-hole strokeplay tournament showcasing 144 players with the leading 99 Asian Tour players featuring in the elite field alongside 10 players from the top-200 of the Official World Golf Ranking, 20 players from Thailand and 15 sponsor’s invitations.

The Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai, designed by Ron M. Garl, is located in a valley between mountain ranges in the heart of the San Kampaeng natural forests and boasts of natural beauty.