Liang Wen-chong, Chapchai Nirat and YE Yang will add considerably to the international flavour of the 2007 BMW PGA Championship when the three first-time European Tour winners line-up at Wentworth Club from May 24-27 on their first visit to England.
India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, who captured four titles worldwide last year and recently became the first player from his country to compete in the Masters Tournament, has also confirmed his participation in the world class field chasing the €725,000 winner’s cheque from a record prize fund of €4,350,000.
The Asian challenge is particularly strong for the 2007 BMW PGA Championship with two more Thai champions on The European Tour in Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant, Singapore’s first Tour winner, Mardan Mamat, and India’s Shiv Kapur adding more spice to a mouthwatering field.
In March, Liang became only the second Chinese player after Zhang Lian-wei to win on The European Tour International Schedule when he won the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters. The following week Nirat became the third Thai golfer – following the path taken by Jaidee and Wiratchant - to win on The European Tour when he completed a wire-to-wire victory in the TCL Classic in China.
While Liang has visited the United Kingdom once before when representing China in the 2000 Alfred Dunhill Cup at St Andrews in Scotland, neither he nor Nirat have played in England before and both will experience the thrill of playing the famed West Course at Wentworth Club for the first time.
“I have heard a few things about Wentworth and I’m expecting windy conditions against a tough field,” said Liang. “This will be my second trip to the UK having played in Scotland a few years ago but my first time to Wentworth. I am looking forward to it. I have not set any expectations on myself but I hope to do my best.”
Liang has won seven titles on the China Tour, establishing himself as China’s Number One golfer after taking over the mantle from his friend and mentor Zhang, who made history as the first Chinese golfer to win on The European Tour.
Nirat followed Jaidee and Wiratchant as a Thai European Tour champion and all three will be competing in the 2007 BMW PGA Championship. Nirat, whose swing and length off the tee draw comparison with John Daly, turned professional in 2005 and his commanding win in the TCL Classic was his second victory as a professional.
Nirat is relishing the opportunity of playing in one of the most prestigious events in world golf.
“I am excited as it will be my first visit to England and also my first full European Tour event,” said Nirat. “I expect the conditions to be tough but I am looking forward to it.”
The 2007 BMW PGA Championship will boast one of the strongest international fields on The European Tour Schedule, with many of the world’s best players in action. All four days will be broadcast live on BBC Television.
Advance ticket savings on the 2007 BMW PGA Championship can be made by booking online atwww.europeantourtickets.comor by telephoning +44 (0) 800 023 2557 by May 1, 2007. For Hospitality packages, please call The European Tour Hospitality Department on +44 (0) 1344 840483.
