The Hainan Open has been renewed for three more years after an agreement was reached between the European Challenge Tour, the Hainan Provincial Administrative of Tour Sporting Events and Hainan Sporting Events Co. Ltd.
One of three events based in China on the Challenge Tour’s International Schedule, the tournament – which takes place on the tropical Hainan Island – has been extended until the 2021 season.
This year will mark the third edition of the event after it made its debut on the Challenge Tour in 2016, when Alexander Knappe reigned triumphant on his way to graduating on to the European Tour.
This year the action will return to Sanya Luhuitou Golf Club, one of 45 golf clubs on the island, where Erik van Rooyen lifted the trophy last season with a victory which helped him also graduate to the European Tour.
Alain De Soultrait, Director, European Challenge Tour, said: “In the past three years the Hainan Open has become a starting point for numerous Challenge Tour stars, for instance, last year’s Hainan Open champion Erik van Rooyen has gone from strength to strength in his maiden European Tour season.
“He has achieved three top ten finishes so far, including fourth place in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in the Rolex Series, showing what can be achieved after winning in Hainan.”
Secretary General of China Golf Association Pang Zheng said: “The top 60 players from the European Challenge Tour were all present in the 2017 Hainan Open, which saw the event reach a new stage.
“We are excited to announce, a further three years co-operation with the European Challenge Tour and the Hainan Open, which will definitely help the tournament reach a new level and will provide a higher-level of playing ground for Chinese players. We are looking forward to the next three years.”
Gao Yuanyi, Deputy Director of Department of Culture, Radio, Television, Publication and Sports of Hainan Province, said: “We have renewed a three-year contract with the European Challenge Tour and signed a new agreement for co-operation, which will see the Hainan Open enter a new stage in its development. We hope this great deal will enhance the visibility of the Hainan Open in Europe and around the world.”
