The WGC Champions will return to make its "permanent home" in Shanghai next year with an increased, major-size purse of US$8.5 million.

The event will also be included as an official event on next year's PGA Tour schedule, with the winner earning a three-year exemption to play on the American circuit.

"Today's announcements are important in elevating the status of the WGC Champions as a whole," said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem.

The tournament, likely to be Asia's richest next year, was played at Shanghai's Sheshan course for its first seven editions before moving temporarily to Mission Hills this season. Title sponsor HSBC is extending its current contract for another three years.

However, Finchem said the PGA would continue to exert its policy of not letting players receive appearance fees - raising the spectre of more no-shows after Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, the world No. 1 and 2, opted out this year.

With PGA seasons due to start late in the year, the WGC Champions will take on added significance in the American tour's annual FedEx Cup race.

"This event will take on new meaning because it will have an important impact on the status of the FedEx Cup standings as we come into the first week of the season," Finchem said.

Finchem also indicated he was open to organizing a tournament in China but added that no immediate plans were in place.

"Going forward we continue to look at the landscape and our calendar and see what might develop," Finchem said.

"Things will continue to evolve but... we have no specific plan for any specific event at this point in time," he added. "As things develop we'll have more to say down the road if need be, but right now the answer is, 'no'."

China is considered a key growth market for golf. The European Tour has eight Asian events on its schedule for this season.

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