2024/2025 DP World Tour/ Asian Tour

Volvo China Open

Enhance Anting Golf Club, Jiading, Shanghai

17th-20th April

Not only did it mark the first time that a European golfer has completed the coveted Career Grand Slam, it also was the first time that a European player has won a major since Jon Rahm fended off Brooks Kopeka at the 2023 Masters. The Northern Irish superstar kept things interesting on Sunday, alternating violently between brilliance and cataclysmic failure. He ultimately prevailed for one of the most emotional victories in recent Major history (or perhaps Major history in general). This week, the tour moves to China for the next event in the Asian Swing: the Volvo China Open. The tournament has edged slightly forward in the calendar this year (it was played in early May last year).

First staged back in 1995, this was a DP World Tour mainstay between 2005 and 2019. The 2020 and 2021 editions were solely sanctioned by the China Tour because of the pandemic. The 2022 renewal was cancelled outright, and the event was revived on the Asian Tour in 2023. The event was elevated back to DP World Tour status last season (the first time in five years). It was hosted at Hidden Grace Golf Club in each of the last five renewals (though it was still known as Genzon Golf Club from 2019 to 2021). This year marks a bit of a shakeup, with a brand-new course picking up hosting duties: the Robert Trent Jr-designed Enhance Anting in Shanghai.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr in 2005, Enhance Anting is described as a tree-lined parkland style layout. Jones has created a clever design, masking the industrial surroundings with strategically created mounds. This course measures around 7,300 yards from the tips but will play 7,168 yards this week. Beautiful lakes abound, bringing with them plenty of water trouble. The tree-lined nature of the event- coupled with the water- tells me that accuracy could be vital this week. Having said that, the par 5’s are quite meaty and will require a bit of muscle. There are four sub-400 yard par 4s, adding a delightful risk-reward dimension to proceedings. As with any new course, Enhance Anting will remain something of a mystery until we see it in action.

Haotong Li has enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign and heads a cluster of players tipped at 16/1 to win. Li, a former champion in this event, has three top 16 finishes in his last four starts, claiming the Qatar Masters title in the process. Keita Nakajima has really enjoyed his Asian Swing, picking up back-to-back runner-up finishes in Singapore and India. Up-and-coming Rasmus Neergard-Petersen arrives in solid form, picking runner-up in Qatar and Puerto Rico. He enjoyed a decent little trip across the pond, finishing runner-up in Puerto Rico before a T22 finish at the Valspar Championship. The likes of Jordan Smith, Matthew Jordan and Ewen Ferguson lead a strong British contingent. Elsewhere, the likes of Shaun Norris and Jorge Campillo stand out in what is sure to be a fascinating week in Shanghai.

Past Winners

2024: Adrian Otaegui (-18) *54 holes

2023: Sarit Suwannarut (-19) *Asian Tour event

2022: no event

2021: Zhang Jin (-8) *China Tour event

2020: Zhang Huilin (-19) *China Tour event

Betting Favourites (To Win): Haotong Li (16/1), Keita Nakajima (16/1), Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (16/1), Wenyi Ding (16/1), Shaun Norris (18/1)

Value Bet

Ewen Ferguson- To Win (35/1)

I think that the 28-year-old Scot could be a factor this week. He currently ranks 2nd on tour for Driving Accuracy (meaning he should be able to avoid some of the trouble out there this week). The three-time DP World Tour champion started the season poorly but seems to be inching his way towards better form, finishing in a tie for 17th last time out in India. I just have a feeling that he could catch fire this week.

The Man to Beat- Rasmus Neergard-Petersen- To Win (16/1)

I really like the look of 24-year-old Dane Rasmus Neergard-Petersen. He enjoyed a strong start to his DP World Tour season, highlighted by top ten finishes at the BMW Australian PGA Championship and Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He dipped a bit after that, but he arrives in renewed form, picking up back-to-back runner-up finishes in Qatar and Puerto Rico. As I noted earlier, he looked composed during his brief Stateside stint. He currently ranks 33rd on tour for Driving accuracy and 6th for GIR (which should be a lovely cocktail for success this week).