SHANGHAI - Three of the world's most popular golfers and a local legend will swing away at a unique event in China in October.

Three-time major champion Ernie Els, new golf sensation and US Open champion, Rory McIlroy, ever-colorful Englishman Ian Poulter and China's No 1 player, Liang Wenchong, will play a combined 18 holes over eight courses in six cities from Oct 10-16 in the first Shui On Land China Golf Challenge.

"I am representing China, so it means a lot to me that the Challenge will feature some of the best courses in the country," said Liang at the event's launch at the posh Xiantiandi club in Shanghai on Monday.