It has been a long wait, but finally the DP World Tour announced this Friday which tournament will fill the gap in the calendar at the end of April. An event in Asia had been confirmed since the full list was presented back at the Dubai Finale last year, but until now it was not known where it would take place. Well, it will be the Hainan Classic that will complete the eastern tour starting in Singapore on 20 March.
It will be played from 24 to 27 April. It will be the second of two consecutive tournaments in China, co-sanctioned with the China Tour. It will take place the week after the Volvo China Open, further strengthening the Tour’s presence in the region and also marking the end of the Asian Swing, the third of the five Global Swings that form the first phase of the Race to Dubai 2025.
Mission Hills Haikou, located on the tropical island of Hainan, is one of the most prestigious golf resorts in Asia. It boasts ten top-level courses, including the renowned Blackstone Course, which will host the Hainan Classic. It previously hosted the World Cup in 2011, won by the American duo Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland.
Ben Cowen, Director of Tournaments and Operations of the DP World Tour, said: “We are delighted to confirm Mission Hills Haikou as the venue for the inaugural Hainan Classic, marking an exciting milestone in the DP World Tour’s ongoing commitment to China.” The tournament will play a crucial role in the Asian Swing of the Race to Dubai, offering players another fantastic opportunity to compete at the highest level in the region.”
Tenniel Chu, Vice Chairman of the Mission Hills Group, stated that, as a witness and participant in the evolution of golf in China, Mission Hills has always embraced the mission of advancing the industry. “This tournament not only aligns with the international sporting objectives of the Hainan Free Trade Port but also represents a significant milestone for Chinese golf in its integration with the global events framework. Furthermore, such international tournaments will provide Chinese players with a platform to compete against other world-class golfers, thus accelerating the development of local talent. Additionally, Hainan’s unique tropical coastal climate and lush sporting environment year-round make it an unparalleled ‘winter training paradise’.”
Tian Xiaojun, Vice President of the China Golf Association, said: “We are very pleased that, following the Volvo China Open, the DP World Tour continues in China with the Hainan Classic. The tournaments are not only a driving force for promoting social and economic development but also an important platform to demonstrate the country’s power.”
Known for its impressive volcanic rock landscape and strategic design, Blackstone has hosted events such as the Women’s World Championship and hosts a celebrity Pro-Am held every two years, won in 2016 by Haotong Li.
Thus, the Asian tour of the DP World Tour will consist of the tournaments of the Porsche Singapore Open, Hero Indian Open, Volvo China Open, and the Hainan Classic. Between India and China, the Masters Tournament will take place, which does not count towards the Global Swing ranking.
