European Tour gets China event

The European Tour will break new ground in 2004 when it visits mainland China for the first time.

The BMW Asian Open will be held at Thomson Golf Club in Shanghai from May 13-16.

In total the tour will visit 23 different countries for 44 tournaments, with another three events expected to be confirmed.

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington has already won the first tournament on the 2004 schedule, claiming the Omega Hong Kong Open on Sunday.