The HSBC Championship in China is a golf championship that is staged near to the end of the golfing season in November. Since it began in 2005, the HSBC Championship has quickly been emerging as one of the top golf championships. As such, it brings most of the top ranked golfers in the sport to what is now regarded as ‘Asia’s Major.’
The rise of the HSBC Championship has much to do with it gaining World Golf Championship (WGC) status in 2009. As such, it is now included as one of four golf championships of the WGC. In terms of prize funds the HSBC Championship is comparable with the Majors, as well as the playing field. In 2009 the HSBC Championship included seven of the top 10 ranked golfers of the time playing for the champions of champions title. Woods is quoted as saying:
“The success of the WGC-HSBC Champions last year was noted all around the world and I believe, along with golf’s new Olympic status, the WGC-HSBC Champions will play a very significant role in developing the game of golf in Asia and around the globe.”
Overall, the history of the HSBC Championship is a short one. It began in 2005 at the Sheshan Golf Club, where it is currently played. Invitations were given to the top 50 ranked golf players, although many US players declined to enter at the time. As such, England’s David Howell was able to emerge as the first HSBC champion.
English golfers continued to feature prominently in the 2007 and 2008 HSBC Championship. The likes of Westwood and Wilson would finish as runners-up in these championships. However, their defeat in play-offs gave victory to Mickelson in 2007 and Garcia in 2008.
As mentioned, the HSBC Championship gained WGC status in 2009 and with this the 2009 HSBC Championship had a world-class field. On the final day of play it was Mickelson who overcame a late rally by Els, with an 18 foot putt on the 16th hole to win the 2009 HSBC Championship by one stroke.
So, today the WGC-HSBC Champions is among the top golf championships. With WGC status the HSBC Championship is just one step down from the Majors, and most of the world’s best golfers will be there again in 2010.
Here’s one of my all-time favorites, originally sung by Procol Harum in 1967. The mid-90s cover by Annie Lennox is one excellent version too. Music: A Whiter Shade of Pale Performing artist: Stewart Dudley This music composition is credited to: Gary Brooker, Keith Reid, Matthew Fisher (all members of Procol Harum) . video scenery: one foggy morning in the Bay Area. . Enjoy! . ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Audio copyright: Music Publishing Rights Collecting Society (Thanks for allowing the audio to remain here.) ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Video Rating: 5 / 5