Golf: US Open champion Campbell goes for China double
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-10-09 15:53

US Open and World Matchplay champion Michael Campbell has confirmed he will play at the inaugural HSBC Champions tournament in China.

Campbell will compete for a first prize of $US833,300 ($A1.1 million) in the tournament, to be played in Shanghai from November 10-13.

Reigning Masters and British Open Champion, Tiger Woods, stands in his path as he tees up for his first official world ranking tournament in China.

The event will offer the biggest prize fund ever on the Asian continent, $US5 million ($A6.57 million).

The tournament is co-sanctioned by The European Tour, the Asian Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Sunshine Tour and the China Golf Association.

Campbell, whose win at the World Match Play Championship in September lifted him to No. 1 on the European Tour Order of Merit, is already looking forward to the his visit to Shanghai.

"I've had a fantastic year, winning my first Major and then the HSBC World Match Play Championship and, of course, taking home the biggest cheque of my career of STG1 million ($A2.41 million)," he said.

"I love the history of the Match Play and am thrilled that my name will be listed amongst winners that include golfing legends Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.

"At the same time, I think it would be very special to be the first ever winner of the HSBC Champions, an event that will undoubtedly become a very important part of our golfing calendar."