The October skies at Wentworth have proved to be a tough sell

With 13 players, including Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, skipping the chance to win �1m, it is hoped the new date will bring a better response.

The Irish Open is another event to move in the 2005 European Tour schedule.

It will now be played the week before the PGA Championship on 19-22 May. The TPC of Europe takes its post-Open slot on the rota in July.

A venue has yet to be announced for the British Masters, held for the last two years at the Forest of Arden.

European Tour 2005 schedule

The World Match Play boasts golf's biggest first prize but has struggled to consistently attract the very best players from the US Tour.

Its autumn date is thought to have been a major factor in this failure to attract players more used to warmer conditions, and heavy rain and low temperatures were a feature of this year's event.

World number two Ernie Els made a light of the poor weather to claim a record sixth title and is, as defending champion, guaranteed a place in next year's 16-man field.

New Zealand date

Also on the new schedule are four events in China, beginning with the China Open in Shanghai on 25-28 November, the tour's opening tournament.

The Hong Kong Open is scheduled for the following week and the Johnnie Walker Classic is provisionally set for Bejing in April. Shanghai will also stage the Asian Open.

Six events will be played in Asia, with Singapore and Kuala Lumpur hosting tournaments.