As the 31st edition of the Volvo China Open gets set to tee off next month in Shanghai, tournament chairperson Michel Zhao believes Chinese golf is at a "critical juncture" as it transitions from a "follower" to a potential "leader".

With Chinese mainland players, both professional and amateur, making up more than a third of 156-man field at the $2.75 million event on April 23-26 at Enhance Anting Golf Club, Zhao said the rise of Chinese men's golf had the potential to "reshape the Asian landscape".

"Over the past two decades, Japan and South Korea have produced PGA Tour winners and even Major champions. Now, Chinese players are rapidly catching up. Former Volvo China Open champion Li Haotong has contended in Majors many times. The new generation, represented by Ding Wenyi and Zhou Yanhan, is accelerating its growth through the rigors of the DP World Tour," she said. "In the next five to 10 years, the long-standing Japan-South Korea dominance in Asian men's golf could be rewritten due to the emergence of Chinese strength."

"Chinese strength" was indeed on display at last year's national championship as Wu Ashun carded five birdies over the Enhance Anting back nine in the final round for a one-stroke victory to claim his second Volvo China Open title. All eyes will undoubtedly be on the Xiamen native again this year as he defends his title against a top field made up of players from the China Tour and DP World Tour at the co-sanctioned tournament.

Among those confirmed for the tournament are 2024 Volvo China Open winner Adrian Otaegui and more than 20 DP Tour tournament winners over the past two years. Notables include Casey Jarvis, a back-to-back winner in Kenya and South Africa this year, Bahrain Championship winner Freddie Schott, and Spaniard Nacho Elvira, winner of the Dubai Invitational.

Others in the field include 12 players from the Volvo China Open Qualifying Tournament on March 31-April 1 at Enhance Anting, the Volvo China Junior Championship champion, the China amateur champion and sponsor's invites made up of outstanding domestic and international players.

"Supporting emerging local players isn't a choice, it's a necessity," Zhao said. "We build this stage so Chinese players can compete against the world's best on home soil, identify their gaps, and ultimately achieve breakthroughs."