Super showdown in Zhengzhou

The world’s top golfer will take on the world’s most famous golfer in a China this fall.

World No 1 Rory McIlroy and 14-time major champion Tiger Woods will face off in a one-day matchplay contest in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province, on Oct 29.

The two will be the only competitors in the 18- hole event to be held at Jinsha Lake Golf Club.

McIlroy competed in the China Golf Challenge last October against Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Liang Wenchong, playing 18 holes across eight courses in seven cities. and said he is looking forward to returning to Jinsha Lake to take on a player he grew up admiring.

“It’s an exciting concept and it will be a lot of fun going head to head with Tiger,” McIlroy said. “The duel at Jinsha Lake will be the first time myself and Tiger have come together to play a ‘one-off’ match like this, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve always looked up to him as a player. What he’s achieved in the game is remarkable.

“With the huge growth of the game of golf across Asia and the inclusion of the sport in the next Olympic Games in 2016, I think it’s fitting for this great event to take place in China.”

The Northern Irishman will make his way to Zhengzhou from the BMW Masters in Shanghai, which finishes on Oct 28. Woods, currently No 3 in the world and longtime former No 1, is scheduled to fly in from Malaysia, where he will play the CIMB Classic.