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.

The 33-year-old Chinese, player who has won events on the European, Asian, OneAsia and China tours and finished tied for eighth last year at the PGA Championship for his best result at a major, is looking forward to showing of his country's premier courses to his international friends.

"I know the international players will be impressed by all eight of the courses as I have played on a few of them and they're tough world-class layouts that will test them," Liang said. "Some of the holes they have chosen are beautiful, but also quite challenging and risky."

The event will tee off at the Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club on Oct 10 and then move to Beijing's Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club (Oct 11) and the Topwin Golf and Country Club and Jade Island International Golf Club (Oct 12), also in the capital.

The battle will then progress to Dalian's Red Flag Valley course (Oct 13), the Sun Kingdom Golf Club in Chongqing (Oct 14), the Long Island Golf and Country Club (Dongguan - Oct 15) and finish at Caesars Golf in Macao on Oct 16.

While primarily a fun event to promote the game in the mainland, the players believe their competitive instincts will kick in.

"Tell the other guys I'm going to win this event," Poulter said in a video played during the launch.

McIlroy, the baby of the field at the age of 22, said, "I think our competitiveness will come out over the final few holes. However, I am mainly looking forward to playing 18 holes over different courses in China it will be a great experience."