New generation ready to pick up the mantle from stalwarts like Zhang

Considering the defending Volvo China Open champion is closing in on 40 and the average age of the previous 13 winners is 32, a bet on the two teenagers in the coming week's open championship may be about as sound as investing in the US mortgage market.

Shenzhen protege Ye Jianfeng has at least had some time to get used to the idea of playing at the Beijing CBD International Golf Club; he became the first man in the field when he won the senior boy's title at the Volvo China Junior Championship last October, securing a coveted place on the starting grid for the US$2.2 million showpiece.

'It has seemed a long time, but I'm getting even more excited and a little bit nervous,' he said. 'However I play, I will be living a dream of playing in my country's open championship and it will be a proud moment for me,' said Ye (pictured), now 17 and the youngest player in the field.

'It is a big occasion for me, another step on the ladder, the chance to test myself against the best and in my capital city, too.'

That dream becomes a reality for Ye as the 14th open gets under way on Thursday, one week after the US Masters. So will the kid from Shenzhen be watching the Augusta National showpiece looking for inspiration?

'I don't think I will need any inspiration as playing will be inspiring enough, but, just maybe, one day, I might be fortunate enough to play in the US Masters, like Zhang Lianwei and now Liang Wenchong. I will be watching and cheering our number one golfer [Liang] along,' says Ye. 'Maybe I might be lucky enough to be drawn with him in Beijing.'