Ian Poulter and defending champion Nicolas Colsaerts have confirmed that they will compete in the 2012 Volvo China Open at Binhai Lake Golf Club in Tianjin ,from April 19-22 , joining Englishman Paul Casey in the field.
Colsaerts has made an explosive start to his 2012 campaign, with three top-10 finishes in his first four starts, including fourth place in the prestigious Volvo Golf Champions where he shot a course record 64.
The Belgian secured his maiden Tour victory in China last year and is looking forward to defending the title.
He said: “Golf is really growing in China, and I think that my win last year was a huge step in the growth of my own game. I can’t wait to get back out there and feel what it is like to be defending champion, especially as I always seem to raise my game in Volvo’s tournaments. I would love to be the first player to successfully defend the title.”
Flamboyant Englishman Poulter is another who is looking forward to teeing it up at Binhai Lake. Having won last year’s Volvo World Match Play Championship to join Casey on 11 European Tour titles, Poulter is keen to get more victories under his belt.
“I am delighted to be competing for this title for the first time, especially with Volvo’s terrific long-term commitment to the event,” said Poulter. “I think it’s something like their 18th year, and the fact that China is such a different and unique venue really makes it special.”
Casey, who had already confirmed his participation, has been out of action so far this year following a shoulder injury.
He said: “I have always been made to feel most welcome and could see the potential of the Volvo China Open as a major national open championship when I won in 2005. It feels great to be fully fit again so that I can compete at Binhai Lake.”
Per Ericsson, President of Volvo Event Management, is delighted with the way the event is shaping up.
He said: “This event is growing and is already seen almost as a ‘Major’ in the region. As the field gets stronger each year, we are hopeful that in time this view will be shared globally. Over the next few weeks, we are looking forward to announcing more world-class golfers who will be taking part.”
For more information, please visitwww.volvoingolf.com
