Shanghai: HSBC on Wednesday confirmed the first wave of star players for the 2016 World Golf Championships - HSBC Champions at the exclusive Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai, 27th - 30th October.
Reigning Champion, Scotland’s Russell Knox, will defend his title against an all-star cast, including World number two and 2016 US Open Champion Dustin Johnson, World number three and four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, 2016 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship winner Rickie Fowler, two time US Masters Champion and winner of the 2014 WGC-HSBC Champions Bubba Watson, as well as Open Champion and Olympic Silver medallist Henrik Stenson.
Johnson, who made his Major breakthrough at this year’s US Open, has also won two World Golf Championships including the 2013 WGC-HSBC Champions and this year’s World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational.
Johnson said, “I am really looking forward to returning to Sheshan this year. It is always a buzz to return to a venue where you have won a title – especially such a prestigious World Golf Championship - and I really enjoy the course at Sheshan as it plays to my strengths. It has been a very special season to finally win my first Major and it would be awesome to finish the year on a high note in Shanghai.”
McIlroy, who announced his return to form earlier this month making a spectacular charge on the final day to win the Deutsche Bank Championship, the second of the US PGA Fedex Play off events. The popular Irishman commented, “There have been many positives but a few frustrations this season, so I was delighted to get another win under my belt in the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston. I am really happy with where my game is now and obviously I will be looking forward to China to keep the momentum going for the rest of the year. A win at the final WGC event of the season, in front of the amazing, enthusiastic fans in China, is something I’m really hoping to secure.”
Open Champion, Olympic Silver Medallist and World Number five Sweden’s Henrik Stenson said, “I have played in almost all of the HSBC Champions events since 2005, and I love seeing the amazing progress of golf in China each year. With the inclusion of golf in the Olympics and with Shanshan Feng bringing home a medal, I am sure it has only heightened interest in golf so I look forward to another fantastic event.”
Giles Morgan, HSBC’s Global Head of Sponsorship and Events said: “The World Golf Championships -HSBC Champions will be the only elite golf tournament in Shanghai this year, so we are delighted to announce such a stellar array of champions have committed to play. After an incredible golfing year which has seen four maiden Major winners and golf’s return to the Olympics after more than a century, ‘Asia’s Major’ promises to provide a stunning showcase for the world’s best golfers. It has been a momentous year for Chinese golf with Shanshan Feng winning the Olympic bronze medal and Li Haotong winning the Volvo China Open and we hope our own Shanghai showdown will bring the curtain down in style.”
This year’s tournament will feature a new premium spectator experience called The Pinnacle Club. Fans looking for an extra special world-class golf experience will be able to enjoy the golf from new high-spec bespoke social and party platforms on the golf course, offering excellent views of the action as well as top class hospitality and a unique atmosphere. There is also an enhanced family ticket package available with juniors under 18 offered complimentary entry.
