Zhang planning development tour in China

Chinese legend Zhang Lian-wei plans to launch a developmental Tour in his country as a way of giving back to the game.

The 42-year-old Zhang, who will chase a record third victory at the Macau Open starting on Thursday, said he wanted to create greater playing opportunities for China's leading amateurs and upcoming professionals.

Zhang, a five-time winner on the Asian Tour, has held talks with the China Golf Association who are receptive to his idea and if the pieces fall into place, the circuit will tee off in the latter half of this year with a handful of tournaments. The ultimate aim, said Zhang, is to host 15 events in a season.

"When I first started out as a player, we didn't have that many events in China. It was very difficult for me then. It is now my hope to see more young Chinese players come through the ranks and my idea is to create a Zhang Lian-wei Tour which will provide playing opportunities for our upcoming players," said Zhang.

"I've held discussions with the China Golf Association and they are receptive to the idea. We need to pull it together but I'm confident it will take off. I want to give something back to the game."

Zhang's initial idea is to have 50 amateurs and young professionals each mixing it up on the developmental circuit where a select number will gain promotion onto the main Tour in the country, the Omega China Tour.

"I would like to share my experiences of playing abroad with our young players," said Zhang. "I feel we need to have more youngsters playing internationally. Our players need to have the knowledge and experience first before they eventually go out to play," said Zhang.

At the moment, only Zhang and his protégé, Liang Wen-chong, are regular faces on the international fairways.

Zhang was the first Chinese to win a co-sanctioned tournament at the 2003 Singapore Masters while Liang, who is also competing in this week's Macau Open and currently second on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit, won the same event this year.

The Macau Open is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week. Australian Kane Webber is defending his title at the challenging Macau Golf and Country Club.

May 15, 2007

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