There will be more at stake than just prize money at next month’s Asian Tour event in Hong Kong, with four places at this year’s Open Championship also up for grabs.
The R&A said the World City Championship, which is being held at Hong Kong Golf Club from March 23 to 26, would be one of three events in the region to feature in the qualifying series for the last major of the year at Royal Liverpool.
Also given places were the Mizuno Open in Japan and Korea Open.
A total of 34 places are available through tournaments being played around the world on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour.
“We have created an exciting schedule of events which takes in many regions around the world and provides the chance for golfers to earn a place in The Open at Royal Liverpool,” Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, the executive director for championships at The R&A, said.
Asian Tour boss Cho Minn Thant said the decision to make the World City Championship part of the Open’s qualifying process “underscores the importance of Hong Kong on the global golfing calendar”.
March’s tournament is the first of three world-class events that will take place at the Fanling golf course this year, with the Asian Tour’s International Series expected to be played in November, and the women’s Aramco Team Series scheduled for October.
“The Hong Kong Golf Club is renowned by players and fans alike for its historic atmosphere, natural beauty, and challenging Fanling golf course, we welcome The R&A’s awarding of the World City Championship with The Open Qualifying Series Status,” Andy Kwok, the HKGC captain, said.
“We look forward to once again hosting the top players in the game, visitors from around the world, and thousands of members of the Hong Kong public, as we open what promises to be a milestone season of international events in 2023.”