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October 30, 2013. The defending champion Ian Poulter along with Jason Dufner, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose got the feel of Chinese tradition of welcoming the warriors as they joined performers from a renowned Chinese opera company at the official launch of the WGC-HSBC Champions overlooking Shanghai’s historic riverfront on Tuesday.
The quintet recreated a traditional returning heroes scene with performers from the Shanghai Jingju Company to celebrate the $8.5 million tournament’s return to Shanghai and Sheshan International Golf Club after a year at Mission Hills. The players were presented with ceremonial cloaks and traditional weapons, such as swords, spears and halberds during the performance.
Poulter will play the first round with Race to Dubai leader Henrik Stenson and Brandt Snedeker.
“HSBC always do something fun for us in the city where we are,” Poulter said. “It’s nice to see a bit of the culture of the city we are in. It shows the players commitment to doing different things and enjoy the local culture.
The Open Championship winner and World No. 3 Mickelson is joined by Rose and Keegan Bradley for the opening two rounds.
“It’s always nice when you come to a country with such a different culture like there is in China to get a feel for it, with the local dance and dress,” US Open champion, Rose said.
“That is something that you take away with you and it makes the trip really special.”
McIlroy and PGA Championship winner Dufner will play the first two rounds with former world No. 1 Luke Donald.
The starry field of WGC-HSBC comprises of 40 out of 50 best golfing warriors of the world who tee off this Thursday.
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