LONDON 9 (Reuters) - Liang Wenchong has been appointed the Royal and Ancient's (R&A) first ambassador for golf in China, the rule-making organisation said on Tuesday.

Liang, his country's most successful golfer with 18 tournament victories worldwide, joins three-time Majors winner Padraig Harrington and 2007 LPGA champion Suzann Pettersen as Working for Golf Ambassadors.

"Liang was the first player from his country to play in the British Open in 2008," the R&A's Duncan Weir said in a news release. "He has led the way for golf in China and will bring a great deal of experience and expertise to his new role.

"The R&A is already working hard with the China Golf Association to encourage people to learn more about golf and its values. Liang will help us to communicate these messages to an even wider audience."