ZHENGZHOU, China – Eighteen Aussies including South Australian Max McCardle are in the field as the third PGA TOUR China Series season begins on Thursday at the Henan Open. The 18 players are exceeded by only players from China (61) and the U.S. (22).
Local boy McCardle, a second-year player in China, would love to qualify for the Web.com Tour.
“The goal is obviously to try to win the Order of Merit. For me, it’s either win the Order of Merit or finish in the top 10 and give myself a chance to try to get through final stage (of the Web.com Tour Qualifying Tournament). That saves two trips over to America,” said McCardle, who placed 27th on the 2015 Order of Merit to easily retain his 2016 playing privileges.
He’ll look to improve on that position this year while managing his schedule and deciding when he’ll return to the PGA Tour of Australasia. PGA TOUR China has only released the dates of the first six events of its 12-tournament schedule.
“I’ve got the Aussie Tour to think about, but depending on the schedule and what position I’m sitting in toward later in the year, I’m planning on playing all 12 events to give myself a good chance at getting to the Web.com Tour,” he added.
Besides McCardle, other South Australians returning to compete in China include Chris Brown and David Lutterus.
“Australians sort of support each other, and we’re happy to see guys go and play well,” McCardle added. “It was great to see how Bryden came back last year and did what he had to do. But at the same time, I want to go out and play my game and win as well.”
Returning Players’ Best PGA TOUR China Performances
David Lutterus T3 – 2015 Eternal Courtyard Open
Max McCardle 4th – 2015 Lanhai Open
Chris Brown T9 – 2015 Lanhai Open