Australia to host golf tourney co-sanctioned by China

Australian women's golf has launched a new professional tournament co-sanctioned with China LPGA.

The inaugural Australia Classic will be played at Sydney's Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club from April 17-19.

Twenty five players from the China LPGA will fly in to vie with 25 ALPG Tour players and four sponsor invitees in the 150,000 AUD (114,500 US dollars) tournament.

"This is a landmark occasion for the ALPG, teaming up for the first time with the China LPGA Tour in a co-sanctioned event," said ALPG CEO Karen Lunn.

"The Chinese players are really making their mark on the world stage and the China LPGA Tour is growing rapidly and producing some outstanding young players.

"We look forward to a long and successful working relationship with the CLPGA and our hosts at the outstanding Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club."

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott recognized CLPGA's reputation and hailed the new tournament as "a testament to the close relationships" between two countries.

"Since it was established in 2008 the China LPGA Tour has developed a strong international reputation," Abbot said in his message to the tournament.

"It is one of the world's fastest-growing golf circuits and will this year bring together some of the top female players in the world and rising young stars.

"As it enters its seventh season, Australia is proud to be the first overseas host of a tournament on the China LPGA Tour."

The prime minister quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping while reiterating the importance of cooperation in raising golf standard.

"As President Xi said during his visit to Australia last year: 'if you want to walk fast, walk alone', but 'if you want to walk far, walk together'," he said.

"The potential for our relationship to grow and prosper has never been greater, and I hope this event marks the start of many years of collaboration between the golfing associations of Australia and China." Endite