Defending champion Miguel Angel Jiménez and World Number Three Ernie Els lead an impressive sextet of world class golfers who have confirmed their participation in the 2005 BMW Asian Open at the Tomson Pudong Golf Club in Shanghai from April 28 – May 1.
Joining them will be China’’s top golfer Zhang Lian-Wei, six time Major Champion Nick Faldo, seven times European Number One Colin Montgomerie and 2002 BMW Asian Open champion Jarmo Sandelin.
The line up is another milestone for BMW in its commitment to the Chinese market and the growing importance of golf in this country. The BMW Asian Open is sanctioned by the China Golf Association, The European Tour and the Asian Tour.
Mr. Jochen Goller, General Manager Marketing of BMW Group Region China Import Operation said: “The BMW Asian Open has now become one of the leading golf tournaments in Asia. With our move to Shanghai, we have given golf in the growing China market a new boost.”
Zhang Lian-Wei, the top Chinese golfer is seen as one of the most promising candidates to win the BMW Asian Open, but knows how difficult this will be: “The competitors taking part in the BMW Asian Open 2005 are even better than in the previous year. No matter how the tournament ends – it is a challenge and an honour at the same time for me to play in Shanghai.”
Marco Kaussler, Tournament Director of the BMW Asian Open, commented: "We are very proud to welcome so many golf superstars to the BMW Asian Open. With these world-class international players, we are confident that it will be the best BMW Asian Open so far. The excellent field will help attract even larger crowds to Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club in April."
