Golf: Starry field for WGC-HSBC Champions

Shanghai, Sep 17 (IANS): WGC-HSBC Champions is set to reinforce its reputation as Asia’s Major with the announcement of the highest quality field of golfers ever assembled.

More than 40 of the world’s top 50 players, including three current Major champions, are scheduled to line up for the $8.5 million showpiece at the Sheshan International Golf Club from Oct 31 to Nov 3.

Leading the way are US Open champion Justin Rose, Open champion Phil Mickelson, USPGA champion Jason Dufner, World No.4 Rory McIlroy, defending champion Ian Poulter and in-form World No.6 Henrik Stenson.

The 78-man field will also include World No.8 and two-time winner on the 2013 PGA Tour Brandt Snedeker, former World No.1 Luke Donald and 2010 US Open champion and World No.9 Graeme McDowell, a multiple winner on both the US PGA and European Tour this season.

Playing for an increased prize fund in the recently elevated WGC-HSBC Champions, there will be more at stake as the golfers compete in the fourth and final World Golf Championships of 2013.

For the first time, the HSBC Champions will become part of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup schedule with money earned counting as official money on the PGA Tour, and the winner earning a three-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

The HSBC Champions will also award full FedExCup points, plus the 10 percent premium awarded by all World Golf Championships compared to a regular PGA Tour event. With these changes, the HSBC Champions is now in line with the other three World Golf Championships played in the United States and is also a key part of the European Tour’s Final Series.

The WGC-HSBC Champions returns to Shanghai after taking place at Mission Hills last year after seven editions here.