Shanghai, China: Masters Champion Danny Willett and US PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker complete the set of first-time Major winners at this year’s World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions.
They will join US Open champion Dustin Johnson and Open champion Henrik Stenson in the elite field from October 27-30 at Sheshan International Golf Club, sculpted by Nelson & Haworth Golf Course Architects, an Associate Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
Along with the four current Major champions, Olympic bronze medallist Matt Kuchar, world number six and 13-time PGA Tour winner Adam Scott, world number eight Patrick Reed, world number 12 Sergio Garcia, world number 13 Paul Casey and world number 14 South Africa’s Branden Grace have all confirmed their intent to compete for ‘Asia’s Major’.
They join the reigning champion, Scotland’s Russell Knox, 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, in what will be the strongest field gathered in Asia this year, including eight of the world’s top-10.
England’s Willett, now ranked 10th in the world, said: “I am really looking forward to being announced on the tee at the HSBC Champions as the Masters champion. I finished tied third last year and it was hard to have the belief that I could get over the line against such a world class field.
“Now, with a Major title under my belt and all the confidence that brings, I feel like I have a real shot at winning my first World Golf Championships title. Victory in Shanghai would be the perfect way to end the season so I am really excited to return to Sheshan to see if I can improve on last year’s result.”
American Walker, who claimed his first Major victory at July’s US PGA Championship to add to his five PGA Tour wins, said: “I have really enjoyed my previous visits to Sheshan. I think it is a fantastic championship course. Winning my first Major this year was very special and I can’t imagine how great it would feel to also bring home my first World Golf Championship trophy!”
Giles Morgan, HSBC’s Global Head of Sponsorship and Events, said: “The Shanghai stage is set for Asia’s Major after an epic year of golf. We are privileged HSBC Champions boasts one of the strongest fields in the world, with eight of the world’s top 10 and all four Major winners competing for the final WGC of the year.
“Given the incredible battles these players have fought over the last year, it promises to be the ultimate showdown. The emergence of China’s own golfing superheroes, such as Li Haotong and Wu Ashun, alongside these giants of golf will no doubt continue to inspire the growth of the game in China, which is fast becoming a new horizon for the sport.”
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.