The World Ladies Golf (WLC) Championship teed off in Haikou, Hainan province of China, on Thursday with 109 golfers taking part in the yearly tournament.

The total prize money is 600,000 US dollars, while the champions of individual and team will win 75,000 and 36,000 US dollars respectively.

The tournament will also adopt a unique three-in-one format, featuring 72-hole individual play, professional team play and individual amateur play.

Last year, Chinese golfer Feng Shanshan, who posted a one-under 71 at the Vintage Course and finished at 10-under 206, became the first player in China to win at the WLC event and now is seeking her another champion.

Zhang Xiaoning, the vice-president of Golf Association of China, told this tournament provided the opportunities of matching between Chinese golfers and top golfers abroad, which could also boost the development of golf in China.