The U.S. PGA Tour has announced it is expanding into China next year with a new developmental professional golf circuit.
PGA Tour China will feature 12 events in 2014 with about $200,000 in prizes for each event.
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Fincham made the announcement Sunday in Shanghai. He said "PGA Tour China will provide open competition on a quality tour for elite players from China and other countries" with the opportunity to advance to top global professional tours.
Fincham said the new tour builds on the U.S. Professional Golf Association's longstanding relationship with the China Golf Association.
A top official with the CGA, Zhang Xiaoning, said the partnership will raise the level of golf in the country and prepare the players for significant global events.
The European and OneAsia Tours have had a presence in China for several years. Fincham said he does not expect the new tour to have any negative effect on those organizations.
The PGA already operates two tours outside the U.S. - PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour LatinoAmerica.
PGA Tour China will feature 12 events in 2014 with about $200,000 in prizes for each event.
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Fincham made the announcement Sunday in Shanghai. He said "PGA Tour China will provide open competition on a quality tour for elite players from China and other countries" with the opportunity to advance to top global professional tours.
Fincham said the new tour builds on the U.S. Professional Golf Association's longstanding relationship with the China Golf Association.
A top official with the CGA, Zhang Xiaoning, said the partnership will raise the level of golf in the country and prepare the players for significant global events.
The European and OneAsia Tours have had a presence in China for several years. Fincham said he does not expect the new tour to have any negative effect on those organizations.
The PGA already operates two tours outside the U.S. - PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour LatinoAmerica.