The World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, has earned the tag of "Asia’s Major," and for good reason.
When the event first came to China in 2005, the tournament attracted 13 of the world’s top 50 golfers. By 2009, when the HSBC Champions was awarded World Golf Championships status, it had more than doubled that statistic with 28 of the top 50. And now for the last two years, the event has attracted 40 of the world’s best 50 players.
This year’s field includes reigning FedExCup champion Billy Horschel, World No. 2 Adam Scott, World No. 4 Sergio Garcia, World No. 5 Henrik Stenson, World No. 6 Justin Rose, Masters champion Bubba Watson, 2014 PLAYERS champion and U.S. Open winner Martin Kaymer and the only player to finish in the top-five at all 2014 majors, Rickie Fowler.
The HSBC Champions also is the first of this season’s four World Golf Championships. Here’s a look at some groups to watch this week.
Martin Kaymer-Jimmy Walker-Jordan Spieth: Kaymer is one of the
most successful players in this event’s history. The reigning PLAYERS
and U.S. Open champion has finished in the top 10 in four of five
appearances, including a victory in 2011. He’s finished no worse than
ninth in his past three HSBC appearances. Kaymer, a member of Europe’s
victorious Ryder Cup team, will play alongside two members of the U.S.
squad. Walker finished 46th last year in his HSBC debut. Spieth also
made his debut in this event last year, finishing 17th.
Tee times: Rd. 1 – 10:25 a.m. local off No. 10 tee; Rd. 2 – 9:15 a.m. local off No. 1 tee.