2006 Volkswagen Masters-China

Two-time Major champion Retief Goosen of South Africa and 2005 US Open winner Michael Campbell of New Zealand will headline the Volkswagen Masters – China from October 12-15.

Goosen, the world number six, will defend his Volkswagen Masters – China title against the Asian Tour's finest players at Yalong Bay Golf Club on the holiday isle of Hainan, south of mainland China.

Leading German automaker Volkswagen will title sponsor the US$300,000 tournament for the third year following its successful launch in 2004. The inaugural event was won by India's Rahil Gangjee.

Welshman Phillip Price, a former European Ryder Cup stalwart, will also compete in this year's edition.

“After two years of investment and development, the Volkswagen Masters-China has successfully gained great attention and visibility both in the local and international markets, which has made it one of the premium golf events in the region” said Mr. Paul Hu, Director Volkswagen Brand Marketing, Volkswagen China.

Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded Volkswagen for its continued support and welcomed the news that Goosen and Campbell, last year's runner-up, will grace the event once more.

“As the event's title sponsor, Volkswagen's commitment to the development of professional golf in China and Asia is praiseworthy as the event is staged professionally and efficiently and I can assure you that our players will repay its faith by competing with honour and passion during the tournament."

Wang Li-wei, Vice Director of Small-ball Games Administrative Center of State Sport General said: “Other than co-staging international events with many well-known companies, such as Volkswagen, the CGA also hopes to work with corporate sponsors to better train and develop Chinese players in the future. We are very happy to see that Volkswagen has continuously supported golf in China. The event has provided opportunities for Chinese players to play against top international players.”

This year’s event will also be aired by CCTV-5 Sports Channel. The eight-hour live broadcast from 2-4pm during the tournament days will reach the homes of more than 180 million viewers across Asia.

Goosen, a winner of 20 international victories, will defend his Volkswagen Masters–China title against the Asian Tour's finest players. Last year, he won by six-shots, signing off with a superb final round of eight-under-par 64 that included an outward 29.

"I'm looking forward to returning to China to defend the Volkswagen Masters–China. I remember last year's final round very clearly as it was one of the best rounds of golf that I have ever played, especially on the front nine. This year, I'm eager to have a look at the new golf course."

Campbell, who enjoyed a tremendous season in 2005 with a maiden Major victory and finishing second on the European Tour Order of Merit, is looking forward to another battle with Goosen. "Retief is a good friend of mine and I'm looking forward to competing against him again. It'll be good. I've played previously at Yalong Bay during the TCL Classic last season and when you go back to a course that you especially like, it always brings back good memories" said Campbell.

The Volkswagen Masters-China will also provide an opportunity for Chinese professionals to compete against world class players. A strong contingent of 25 Chinese players will be among the 144 players in the field.

On top of the prize money, a Volkswagen GTI will be up for grabs as a Hole-in-One prize at a designated par three hole.

Other sponsors at this year’s event include the Sanya Government, Yalong Bay Golf Club, Crowne Plaza Sanya, Fortune Magazine, Lufthansa, Tibet Glacier Mineral Water, Srixon, i-Golf, IC Intracom, ASC Fine Wines and ECCO (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

The Volkswagen Masters-China is organised and managed by IMG.

September 25, 2006

Bookmark page with:

Return to Top of Page