Zhang firmly focused on Web.com reward

Zhang Huilin wants to be among the next wave of Chinese players on the Web.com Tour as he begins his fourth PGA Tour Series-China season at this week's Chengdu Championship at Luxehills International Country Club.

Zhang, 28, progressed quickly in his first three years on the circuit, highlighted by a victory at the season-ending Buick Open in Guangzhou that secured him sixth place in the Order of Merit.

He missed qualifying for a Web.com Tour card after finishing just one place behind current PGA Tour player Zhang Xinjun.

Zhang, who turned pro in 2012, was 78th on the 2014 money list before rising to eighth in 2015, when he won the Hainan Open to add to three top-10s earlier in the season.

Last year he recorded six top-10 finishes in nine events.

With the Tour resuming after a one-year hiatus, Zhang hopes to secure a top-five spot in the Order of Merit and qualify for next year's Web.com Tour, following in the footsteps of compatriots Zhang Xinjun and Dou Zecheng.

"I want to play on the Web.com Tour. I had a chance to play in final qualifying two years ago, but wasn't able to for a variety of reasons. This year I'll try my best to earn a spot on the Web.com Tour," said Zhang, who's competing at Luxehills for the first time.

"The course is very firm and the greens are in very good condition, so I hope I have a good result."

Promising 18-year-old Zhang Zihong, whose 6-foot-6 frame towers over most rivals, is hoping to build on his excellent performance at the China Qualifying Tournament earlier this month, when he tied for second.

"My practice was awesome and I hit the ball straight. It's simple - just hit it straight," said Zhang, who will also play in Chongqing next week.

"I'm excited and I hope to have a good week to get me through the cut line. If I have time, I would like to play every event on PGA Tour Series-China. It is a very nice tour and there are so many good players."

American Joseph Winslow is making his PGA Tour Series-China debut after his four-stroke victory in the second International Qualifying Tournament in Hainan last month.

"I've been playing pretty well and I'm planning to be over here for the events. I'm keen to play well this year, for sure, and really looking forward to it," said Winslow.

The first eight of the year's 14 events were announced on Wednesday. The Chongqing Championship will be held at Poly Golf Club next week, followed by two events in May, two in June and at least two in July.

Every tournament on this year's PGA Tour Series-China will offer 1.5 million yuan ($235,000) in prize money, a 25 percent increase over 2016.

The PGA Tour established PGA Tour Series-China in 2014 as its third international developmental tour.