The Volvo China Open makes its long-anticipated return to the DP World Tour schedule this week as the Asian Swing reaches a climax at Hidden Grace Golf Club in Shenzhen. Here are your five things to know.
Asian Swing reaches a climax
Heading into the final stop of the Swing, Sebastian Söderberg leads the way following his second runner-up finish in as many events in Japan, with Hero Indian Open winner Keita Nakajima second and Porsche Singapore Classic champion Jesper Svensson third.
With Nakajima not in the field in China, and 500 Race to Dubai ranking points on offer for the winner, there is opportunity for those behind to make up ground with anyone down to 20th in the standings still able to win the Asian Swing.
As with the four other Global Swings, the Asian Swing will have its own champion who will earn $200,000 from an overall $1million bonus pool and qualify for each of the Back 9 events, where players will play for increased Race to Dubai ranking points.
The leading DP World Tour member (not otherwise exempt) will also qualify for the Genesis Scottish Open, the second of five Rolex Series events this season.
In another exciting reward for DP World Tour members, the players who finish one to three in the swing standings will be exempt into the U.S. PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club from May 16-19.
- To view the latest Asian Swing rankings, click here.
How the Asian Swing has played out so far
| Event | Winner |
|---|---|
| Porsche Singapore Classic | Jesper Svensson |
| Hero Indian Open | Keita Nakajima |
| ISPS HANDA - CHAMPIONSHIP | Yuto Katsuragawa |
| Volvo China Open |
DP World Tour returns to China
For the first time since 2019, the Volvo China Open is returning to the DP World Tour schedule.
First staged in 1995, and then first sanctioned by the DP World Tour in 2004, it is the longest-running international professional golf tournament in the Chinese mainland and is this year celebrating its 29th edition.
Hosted by the China Golf Association, the event is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the China Tour.
With the total prize fund increased from US$1.5 million in 2023 to $2.25 million in 2024, along with both Race to Dubai ranking points and Olympic qualification points on offer, incentives to perform well are not in short supply.
Inside the field
The 156-player field showcases a strong mix of DP World Tour professionals alongside promising young Chinese players.
Two-time winner Alexander Levy returns to the scene of his maiden DP World Tour title in 2014 aiming to build on his form which has seen him make an excellent start to the European Challenge Tour’s Road to Mallorca Rankings.
Home favourites Li Haotong and Wu Ashun will hope to impress the local fans, with fellow past champion Nicolas Colsaerts also in action in China.
A host of winners on this season’s Race to Dubai are also teeing it up, including European Challenge Tour graduates Jesper Svensson and Matteo Manassero, while England's Jordan Smith has fond memories of previous visits to China with top-five finishes in 2018 and 2019.
Tom McKibbin, who has six top 20s so far this season, and fellow DP World Tour winner Yannik Paul are among those set for their debut in this event.
Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut is the defending champion after a six-stroke victory in November.
Behind the venue
Located in Shenzhen, Hidden Grace has been a member of European Tour Destinations since 2019.
Formerly Genzon Golf Club, Hidden Grace Golf Club is hosting the Volvo China Open for the sixth time since its first in 2014.
Designed by renowned golf course architect Neil Haworth, the championship layouts wrap around the resort’s ecological, 1000-acre Dragon Lake, between rolling hills and dense forests.
The well-known member's only venue also previously staged the Shenzhen International, played from 2015 to 2017 on the DP World Tour.
Sustainability at the heart
To support the European Tour group's 'Green Drive' initiative - first launched in June 2021 - the Volvo China Open will implement a number of activities to emphasise sustainability throughout the event.
With eco friendly transportation a cornerstone of sustainability efforts at the event, carbon emissions will be reduced through the use of Volvo's first ever fully electric premium MPV.
In other commitments to sustainability, only eco-friendly cups will be available to spectators while there will be an increased number of water stations at the venue.
In a bid to make the tournament open and accessible to all, local school programmes will be run while there will be collaborations with the Shenzhen Metro Volunteer Federation.
For a full breakdown of the sustainability efforts planned, click here.
