Women's golf set to soar in newly launched China LPGA tour

Women's golf in China has taken a giant leap forward following news the China Golf Association (CGA) and Orient Golf Group will launch the China LPGA Tour in 2009 with the aim to stage 20 tournaments annually within five years.

Equivalent to the Korea and Japan LPGAs, the China format will promote the sport at the grassroots and nurture stars for the world's top tour, the US LPGA.

Eight events, starting in April or May, are tentatively scheduled for next year.