Fantasy Golf Preview: WGC HSBC Champions
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Part two of four in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai Final Series doubles as a World Golf Championship with a high-class field set to do battle in Shanghai.
Twenty minutes west of the city centre lays Sheshan Golf Club. The 7,261-yard par 72 may only have opened in 2004 but it has quickly developed into a premier layout with the Tuscan-style architecture and ancient trees belying its location and youth.
The undulating layout features numerous elevation changes while water features prominently on 11 holes, the most dramatic of which is the short par four 16th which is played over a water-filled quarry. Several bunkers have been added this year while the theme of undulation continues onto the greens where false fronts and run-offs feature prominently and demand accuracy.
The roll of honour is an impressive one since Phil Mickelson lifted the inaugural crown here in 2009. Wins for European trio Francesco Molinari, Martin Kaymer and Ian Poulter followed before Dustin Johnson took the trophy stateside once again.
Forty of the world’s top 50 are in China this week where double points are on offer in our Fantasy Golf game. Here’s the Team TG line-up…
Justin Rose, £4.5m
The Englishman is chasing the world number two spot before the season is out and a t-4 at last week’s BMW Masters was a fine start. Finishes of fifth, t-24 and t-7 in the last three years here.
Sergio Garcia, £3.5m
Runner-up at the CIMB Classic last week on his season reappearance. Big course requires accuracy with the longer irons and that was right up the Spaniard’s street last year as he finished fourth here.
Martin Kaymer, £2.4m
No Tour appearance since a disappointing Alfred Dunhill but beating Bubba Watson to the Grand Slam of Golf title will have felt good. Superb record here. Has recorded finishes of t-8 and ninth since his 2011 win.
Bill Haas, £1.9m
Finished last season strongly to make the Tour Championship and t-22 at the McGladrey Classic in October represented a solid start to the PGA Tour’s 2015 season. T-21 and tenth in the last two years here.
Jamie Donaldson, £1.8m
A final round 75 last week will have left a bitter taste in the mouth but should act as motivation ahead of his challenge at Sheshan where he finished t-8 last year.
JB Holmes, £0.8m
Real wildcard choice but the Kentucky native is one of the longest guys around and won’t be daunted on his Sheshan debut. Didn’t set the world alight at the CIMB last week but a final round 66 was good preparation.
