Sep 30,2016: The 2016 Masters Champion Danny Willett and the 2016 US PGA Championship winner, Jimmy Walker complete the set of first-time Major winners at this year’s World Golf Championships -HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai, 27th – 30th October. They join 2016 US Open Champion Dustin Johnson and 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson who are already confirmed in the 2016 field.
Along with the four current Major champions, Olympic bronze medallist Matt Kuchar, World No 6 and 13-time PGA Tour winner Adam Scott, World No 8 Patrick Reed, World No. 12 Sergio Garcia, World No. 13 Paul Casey and World No 14 South Africa’s Branden Grace have all confirmed their intent to compete for ‘Asia’s Major’ this October.
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 ten.
England’s Danny Willett, now ranked ten 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 Jimmy Walker, who claimed his first Major victory at the US PGA Championship in July to add to his five PGA Tour wins added, “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 ten 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.
IMG Media Release
