Excitement builds as the 2024 Volvo China Open makes its highly anticipated return to the DP World Tour schedule, as China's premier open golf tournament is set to unfold from May 2nd to the 5th at the pristine Hidden Grace Golf Club in Shenzhen.

After a five-year hiatus from the DP World Tour, the 29th edition of the Volvo China Open has drawn a formidable international field, captivating golf enthusiasts from across China and around the globe. Boasting an impressive total prize fund of $2.25 million, the event guarantees high stakes and thrilling competition.

Organized by the China Golf Association and co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the China Tour, the 2024 Volvo China Open will showcase a diverse field of accomplished and rising stars from around the world of golf. Among them are Jordan Smith, Yannik Paul, and Zander Lombard, alongside defending champion Sarit Suwannarut. Notably, previous Volvo China Open champions Nicolas Colsaerts (2011), Alexander Levy (2014, 2017), Wu Ashun Wu (2015), Li Haotong (2016), Zhang Huilin (2020), and Zhang Jin (2021) will also tee it up in this year's tournament. This blend of international heavy hitters and homegrown heroes promises a riveting display of talent and competition, sure to captivate the thousands of fans expected to attend.

England's Jordan Smith has a total of seven professional victories to his credit including two wins on the DP World Tour. His last campaign at Hidden Grace Golf Club in 2019 saw him finish tied for fifth.

Smith expresses his anticipation for the Volvo China Open, stating, "I haven't played in Shenzhen since 2019 and I like the course and I think it suits my game. I've had good results there in the past and so it's been on my schedule for a while."

He also shares his excitement about reconnecting with Chinese fans, noting, "Golf is such a massive sport there and I look forward to seeing thousands of passionate fans, who have a great knowledge and respect for the game.

"I'm hoping we can put on a good show," Smith added.

Also returning to Hidden Grace Golf Club is the winner of the 2023 Volvo China Open and defending champion, Suwannarut. The 26-year-old Thai golfer secured victory last year with impressive scores of 65 and 64 in the third and fourth rounds, marking his second win on the Asian Tour following his first-place finish at the Indonesian Masters in 2022.

Suwannarut credited his success last year to his mindset, emphasizing, "I felt like I knew what to do in tough situations, which combined with both consistent hitting and putting."

Reflecting on his experience, Suwannarut feels confident about navigating the course but is equally enthusiastic about competing on the DP World Tour this year. He said: "I'll be focusing on the process and what I can control and hopefully it pays off. I'm looking forward to winning and playing alongside the top players in the world."

Yannik Paul of Germany is set to make his debut appearance at the China Volvo Open. In 2022 he claimed his first European Tour victory and this season is building on strong performances including a fourth-place finish at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship in January.

Expressing his anticipation for the tournament and the course, Paul said: "I haven't been to China before, but my caddy Oliver has previously caddied at the course in Shenzhen. He spoke highly of the event and emphasized how impressed he was with the course conditions during the last edition.

"I hope a lot of local fans will come out to support us and hopefully watch some great golf. I'll do my best to be in the mix come Sunday afternoon," said Paul.

Zander Lombard, a DP World Tour favorite from South Africa, is eager to make his mark on the course. The 29-year-old golfer has enjoyed a strong start to the season, clinching a second-place finish at the Bahrain Championship in February.

Though still pursuing his first DP World Tour victory, Lombard arrives at the tournament feeling prepared and rejuvenated. "I'm super excited to see the golf course and the challenges that it has in store for us. It fits great into my season, as I have had a few weeks off and we'll be in Asia for a couple of weeks - it is a really nice way to start off the spring stretch," he said.

He acknowledges the significance of the tournament's return to the European Tour, stating, "The DP World Tour is really looking forward to getting back to China to compete in the Volvo China Open, and it is a great opportunity for locals, of all ages, to get out and support some of the world's best golfers and witness some fantastic golf shots!"

Li Haotong is anticipated to be a local favorite in the tournament, given his victory in the 2016 Volvo China Open. With three DP World Tour victories, he is recognized as one of the leading names in Chinese golf. As he returns to compete once again, spectators will be eagerly following his performance to see if he can return to the top of the leaderboard.