(Reuters) - The Asian Tour will return to China for the first time since 2008 with up to four new events planned in 2017 in a "game changer" partnership with the China Golf Association, the continental body said on Friday. The Asian Tour previously co-sanctioned and staged tournaments with the CGA from 1995 until 2008 before the OneAsia circuit began. "Re-starting cooperation is a game changer for the Asian Tour and CGA," chief executive Josh Burack said in a statement. Winners of these new co-sanctioned tournaments in China will also earn their exemption on the Asian Tour under the winner's category. "I started my career on the Asian Tour and it has given me lots of opportunities to grow and improve as a player," said veteran Chinese golfer Zhang Lian-wei, who is a CGA committee member and board member of the Asian Tour.

Source: The Star March 17, 2017 09:45 UTC