BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai has been selected as the host venue of the 11th edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship(AAC), organizers announced here on Wednesday.

The event will return to China for the third time from September 25-29, 2019.

Founded in 2009 by the Masters Tournament, The R&A and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the AAC was established to further develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region. The champion receives an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament and the Open, while the runner(s)-up earn a spot in Final Qualifying for the Open.

The only country with 3 former champions, China saw continued success at the 2017 AAC in New Zealand, with four of its players finishing within the top-five.

"I'm excited about the returning of the AAC to China," said Lin Yuxin, 2017 AAC champion. "I'm aware of what it represents for the region. The opportunity to showcase Chinese golf in Shanghai is incredible for the future of the sport in China."

"The AAC has had a profound impact on the golf here in China," said Pang Zheng, Secretary-General of the China Golf Association. "The opportunity awarded to the amateurs are truly life changing. As one of the most widely televised amateur golf tournaments in the world, the event inspires young golfers around the world."

Founded in 2004, Sheshan Golf Club is now the host venue of annual WGC-HSBC Champions.

"Our club prides itself on supporting golf by hosting major events as well as promoting the sport through our junior programs," said Roger Foo, General Manager of Sheshan Golf Club. "Hosting the AAC is an extension of our vision to see golf thrive in China, and we welcome the region' s best amateurs to come to Shanghai in 2019."

Before heading to China in 2019, the 10th edition of the AAC will take place at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore from October 4-7, 2018.