The HSBC Champions in China has been added as a World Golf Championship this year, with a new qualifying criteria and a $7 million purse.  This will be the largest purse ever for a golf tournament in Asia.

The HSBC Champions began in 2005 and has been sanctioned by every major golf tour with the exception of the PGA Tour.  That now changes with its status as the 4th World Golf Championship and the only one not staged in America.

Tiger Woods and defending champion Sergio Garcia have both committed to playing in this years tournament.  It will not be know exactly how many American players will play until the fall.  The event is played after their official season is over and any money earned will not count towards the PGA Tour money list.

The PGA of America and US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin announced the last weeks Masters launched the point system that will determine who gains a spot on the 2010 Ryder Cup team.  The US point system will determine the top 8 players and Pavin will have 4 selections at a later date to fill out the team.  Colin Montgomerie will lead the European team.

Points are based on the following:

- Prize money earned in the 2009 major championships (Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship): One point is awarded for every $1,000 earned; all U.S. players making the cut will earn points.

- Prize money earned in 2010 “Official” events from Jan. 1 through Aug.15: One point is awarded for every $1,000 earned, excluding the major championships, events played opposite major championships and events played opposite World Golf Championships; all U.S. players making the cut will earn points.

- Prize money earned for the 2010 major championships: (Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and the PGA Championship). Two points are awarded for every $1,000 earned; all U.S. players making the cut will earn points.

- Prize money earned in 2010 events played opposite the major championships and opposite World Golf Championship events between Jan. 1 and the PGA Championship, Aug. 16 – one-half point will be awarded for every $1,000 earned; all U.S. players making the cut will earn points.