The Foshan Open will continue its growth as one of the premier events on the European Challenge Tour when the prize fund for this year’s event increases significantly, by US$150,000 to a total of US$500,000.
Now in its third year, the Foshan Open has become one of the best attended events in the tour’s history, with over 40,000 attending last year’s edition.
Set against the backdrop of Foshan City, outside Guangzhou, the tournament has already been witness to some breath-taking drama and career-changing moments, with Jason Palmer claiming a one-shot victory in 2014 that ultimately paved his path to graduation and The European Tour.
In 2013, Nacho Elvira also took a huge step in his promotion to the top tier when he clinched the inaugural title after a thrilling finale.
The Foshan Open, the second of two Chinese events in the Challenge Tour’s season-ending Final Swing, has become one of the most popular events on the schedule and with a 40 per cent increase, the field is sure to be one of the strongest of the year as the season nears its conclusion.
Keith Hardman, General Manager of Foshan Golf Club and promoter of the event, said: “We’re delighted with how popular the event has become in the space of just two years. The Foshan Open is already an important event on the Tour but we aim to increase its importance and impact further still, especially among our home Chinese players.
“A win here will most likely catapult a player into the top 45 on the Challenge Tour Rankings and a start in the final two events. This would not only improve his World Ranking but earn him a start in virtually all the events on next year’s European Challenge Tour.”
Alain de Soultrait, Director of the European Challenge Tour, said: “The increase is perfect timing for us as it will give a big boost to our recently-introduced ‘Final Swing’.
“It will mean that the leading players will almost certainly need to be playing well right to the end of the season to make sure of a top 15 place in the Ranking and graduation to the European Tour.”
Zhang Xiao-ning, Deputy Chairman of China Golf Association, said: “We welcome the opportunity that the Foshan Open prize money increase will provide to Chinese players. Our players are improving each year and winning is very much a distinct possibility. We just have to look at what Li Hao-tong has achieved last year.”
The third edition of the Foshan Open will be held at Foshan Golf Club from October 23-26 and is part of the Final Swing on the European Challenge Tour.
