Englishman Nick Dougherty will make his debut at the TCL Classic next week - and says he is relishing the challenge.
"This is my first time at the TCL Classic and I'm really looking forward to it," he said.
"I've heard a lot of good things about the tournament - pleasant venue, great course - which I'm told they've made some changes to this year - and a nice hotel, so it promises to be an enjoyable week."
Dougherty, 23, will be part of a world-class field at the TCL Classic, now firmly established as one of China's premier sporting events.
The US$1 million tournament - co-sanctioned by The European and Asian Tours and promoted by Parallel Media Asia - will be staged at Yalong Bay Golf Club in Sanya, on the tropical southern island of Hainan, from March 16-19.
Dougherty will head to China after appearing in this week's OSIM Singapore Masters, where he is the defending champion after his maiden European Tour victory a year ago.
"My game's pretty good at the moment," he added. "I've just had three weeks off. I went on holiday for a week to South Beach, Miami, then I spent a week in Orlando with my coach, David Leadbetter, and then I relaxed for a week at home.
"So I'm looking to get going again in Singapore this week and hopefully be in good shape for the TCL Classic."
"We are delighted Nick Dougherty is coming to the TCL Classic," said Li Dong Sheng, chairman of TCL Corporation, the first mainland Chinese company to title sponsor a European Tour event.
"He is one of the rising stars of world golf and he plays with plenty of style and charisma. We are sure he is going to be a huge hit with the galleries at Yalong Bay."
TCL Classic champion Paul Casey has already confirmed he will be returning to Yalong Bay to defend his crown.
Casey captured the title in thrilling fashion last year when he beat Ireland's Paul McGinley on the second play-off hole.
China's top two players, Zhang Lian Wei and Liang Wen Chong, have also been confirmed for the TCL Classic.
They will spearhead what is anticipated to be a strong Asian Tour challenge at Yalong Bay.
