To be played from March 29-31 the event will be headlined once again by Wayne Grady, the 1990 USPGA champion, who made his debut in September last year. The Australian, who narrowly lost out in a play-off to Mark Calcavecchia at the 1989 Open Championship at Royal Troon, finished second to Shenzhen-based American CJ Gatto (pictured) in 2010 and says he's looking forward to returning to Hong Kong.
"I really enjoyed last year and will be hoping to go one better this time around," said Grady, who works as a commentator for the BBC and Channel Nine in Australia when he's not competing. "It's a great event and thanks to Ageas' involvement, it has a really bright future."
Sponsored for the second successive year by Ageas, one of the largest insurance companies in the world, the 54-hole stroke play tournament will be played over three different courses, which is how the championship started life back in 1976. The first and second rounds will be held over the Old Course at Fanling and Clearwater Bay, while the North Course at The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course will host he all-important final round. The Pro-Am will be played on March 28 at the Hong Kong Golf Club.
Among the local professionals vying for the title, which boasts a HK$300,000 prize fund, include two-time winner Dominique Boulet, 2001 champion Derek Fung and 2010 Order of Merit winner Wong Woon-man.
Stuart Fraser, CEO of Ageas Insurance Company (Asia), said: "It's all set to be an exciting championship with the best Hong Kong professionals going up against players from around the region. We're delighted to welcome back both Wayne Grady and defending champion CJ Gatto and look forward to witnessing three days of first-class championship golf."
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