Success in The European Tour's Final Series undoubtedly brings its own riches, but for four of the star names in the BMW Masters the chance to earn some good fortune came on the eve of the penultimate event of The 2015 Race to Dubai.
Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose, two of the world’s leading players, were joined by China’s own star duo Wu Ashun and Li Haotong at the launch of the $7million tournament in Shanghai.
The quartet held a press conference at Lake Malaren Golf Club during which they were also asked questions by four Chinese youngsters, who then joined them in a fun challenge where they attempted to chip balls at a bell contained inside a giant coin – a local tradition said to bring good luck.
World Number Six Rose and World Number Seven Stenson formed a formidable partnership at last year’s Ryder Cup, winning all three of their matches together, but they will be chasing individual glory this week.
Englishman Rose, who finish tied fourth in last year’s event, is currently fifth in the Race to Dubai and after winning the UBS Hong Kong Open on his last appearance he will be hoping fortune is again in his favour on Chinese soil, particularly as victory in the third event of the Final Series could mean he dislodges Rory McIlroy from the top spot.
Meanwhile, Li will be hoping his fortunes do not change after he recorded the highest finish by a Chinese player in a World Golf Championship event, a share of seventh place at last week’s WGC-HSBC Champions, also held in Shanghai. Similarly, Wu became the first Chinese player to win a European Tour event on home soil earlier this season when he triumphed in his national Open.
