Rory McIlroy joins China odyssey

US OPEN champion Rory McIlroy has signed up to headline a made-for-television golf odyssey through China this year to showcase the sport in the country and the nation's fast-growing cities to the rest of the world.

Former world No 1 Ernie Els, Englishman Ian Poulter and China's No 1 Liang Wen-chong will also compete in the four-man event from 10-16 October, at which the quartet will play just 18 holes, competing on two or three holes at each of eight courses.

The event, sponsored by property development company Shui On Land, will tee off in Shanghai before heading to the northern cities of Dalian and Beijing, west to Chongqing then south through Haikou on the tropical island of Sanya, Dongguan and the former Portuguese colony of Macau.

"No prize money is on offer, but McIlroy said the event was more about the experience.

"I'm always keen for a challenge, but this is different to any golf tournament I've competed in," said McIlroy yesterday as the event was unveiled. "For me, this will be as much about exploring China as competing."

The itinerary will feature pro-ams, coaching clinics, entertainment and publicity events as well as the golf contest, organisers say.

"The Shui On Land China Golf Challenge will combine world-class golf with travel, tourism, business and great entertainment," said Raymond Roessel of tournament organiser Infinite Ideas International.