China to stage new women's event

Mission Hills Golf Club in China is set to host a new ladies' professional golf tournament, The World Ladies Championship (WLC).

The event which takes place on The Vintage Course at Mission Hills from March 2nd-4th, will be hosted by the China Golf Association and Department of Culture and Radio, Television, Publication and Sports of Hainan Province.

Co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and the China LPGA Tour, The World Ladies Championship will adopt a three-in-one format, featuring 54-hole individual play, professional team play and individual amateur play.

Invitations for the individual category of the 108-player field will be dictated by the Women's World Golf Rankings along with the 2011 European Tour Order of Merit. Amateur players will be taken from winners of select R&A sanctioned golf competitions in major countries.

Zhang Xiaoning, vice chairman & secretary general of China Golf Association said: "For a long period of time Mission Hills has made significant contributions to organising world-class tournaments and creating international, professional platforms for Chinese golfers."

Vice chairman of Mission Hills Golf club, Tenniel Chu, added: "The stage has been set for a brand new world women's golf championship in the professional game and we are very glad to see it finally happen."