China will host the golf World Cup in 2007 and 2008, and also a World Golf Championships event through until 2018, the International Federation of PGA Tours announced on Tuesday.

The November 19-25, 2007 World Cup will be held at the Jose Maria Olazabal-designed course at Mission Hills Golf Club, located 30 minutes from the Hong Kong border.

"We congratulate the Mission Hills Golf Club on its commitment to host the World Golf Championships-Mission Hills World Cup in China in 2007 and 2008," said George O'Grady, executive director of The European Tour.

The World Cup is part of the World Golf Championships, a series of global events that bring the world's best golfers together in competition in various formats at a variety of venues.

Up to 28 nations, including China as host country, will participate in the event, which will offer a purse of US$5 million.

Chinese Sports Minister Liu Peng welcomed the move as one integral to the changing face of China.

"The 21st century will be a very important period of transition for Chinese society. China will become more open and have a broader horizon concerning sport," he said.

"The World Golf Championships will also present a significant cultural opportunity to take China to another level internationally. As sport, and this event in particular, will help China to integrate on a global level."

The 2008 World Cup will be played from November 17-23. Dates, field criteria and format for a World Golf Championships event at Mission Hills will be announced at a later date.

(AFP September 27, 2006)