The final field is set for the first World Golf Championship of the 2018-19 PGA TOUR season, with five of the world’s top six golfers heading up a star-studded cast at the WGC-HSBC Champions, October 25-28 at Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai.

Reigning Champion, Justin Rose, has his work cut out as he looks to defend his title against a world-class field which includes all of the year’s major winners, 10 of the victorious European Ryder Cup team, China’s No.1, Li Haotong and five past champions; Francesco Molinari (2010), Ian Poulter (2012), Dustin Johnson (2013), Russell Knox (2015) and Hideki Matsuyama (2016) .

The 78 players are competing for an increased prize fund of US $10 million and a first prize of US $1.7 million. Competition will be fierce as between them the field has claimed 15 major titles, over 550 international tournament wins, made 39 Ryder Cup appearances, 43 Presidents Cup appearances and represented 22 countries.

Li Haotong heads the home interest, qualifying through his position on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai Ranking, with the Chinese Golf Association (CGA) awarding their six invites to Ashun Wu, Yechun Yuan, Xinjun Zhang, Bowen Xiao, Wenchong Liang and Yanwei Liu.

Li Haotong, who boasts the best ever finish of a Chinese player in the WGC-HSBC Champions when he finished 7th in 2015, said: “It is so special that China hosts a tournament as important as a World Golf Championships and something that all of us Chinese golfers are thankful for. It is a real honour to represent China as I compete around the world but playing against the world’s best golfers in a huge international tournament in front of my home fans is definitely a highlight of my year. I look forward to seeing everyone at Sheshan next week.”

Leanne Cutts, Group Head of Marketing at HSBC, said: “The WGC-HSBC Champions continues to live up to its reputation as Asia’s Major. We are delighted to once again bring what is unquestionably the strongest field that will compete in Asia this year to the Sheshan International GC. Our flagship tournament, located in our historic home, WGC-HSBC Champions has served a vital role in encouraging the growth of golf in China. We are proud to work with our partners to ensure that Chinese golf fans will once again see the very best in the game compete in person and we are certain that, inspired by these brilliant athletes, the dramatic rise of Chinese golf will only continue.”

As well as hosting the strongest player field in Asia, organisers have planned significant enhancements to every aspect of the spectator experience for this year’s event including adding virtual reality technology to the new Lakeside area boasting a spectator viewing platform with premium sightlines of the 2nd and 9th greens. Ticket holders will also have the opportunity to get autographs and take pictures with the world’s best players through complimentary entry at the Pro Am played on 24th October.

As part of an on-going initiative to grow the game of golf in China, juniors aged 18 years and under enter for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Final ticket promotions are available for spectators before prices revert to full price on Monday 22nd October. For more details on the WGC-HSBC Champions and all ticket information, please visit here or follow our official WeChat account: HSBCChampions