China and Australia team up to host new golf tournament

The Australian women's golf has partnered with China Ladies Professional Golfers Association (LPGA) to host a new professional tournament, the Australia Classic, which will be held at Sydney's Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club from April 17-19.

The China Daily reported that 25 players belonging to China LPGA will fly to Australia to compete with 25 ALPG Tour players as well as four guests in the AU$150,000 ($114,500) 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," ALPG CEO Karen Lunn was quoted as saying.

Lunn said that Chinese golf players are continuously making their mark on the world stage, as she noted the China LPGA Tour grows rapidly, 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," Lunn added.

According to the report, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott had earlier recognized the great skills of China LPGA golfers and called 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.

"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 also reiterated the value of cooperation in raising the standards for golf.

The Australian leader said that the event marks the beginning of the long collaboration between the golfing associations of Australia and China, which he said has the potential to prosper and grow, the report added.