As recently as 1979, Shenzhen was little more than a group of farming and fishing communities with a total population of a few hundred thousand. Today it is a thriving, bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis – an economic, cultural and social marvel.
An indication of how far the city has come in such a short space of time is the fact that it is about to host the European Tour for the Shenzhen International, which will take place at Shenzhen Genzon Golf Club from April 21-24.
Such rapid advances have been driven by what has become widely acknowledged as the Spirit of Shenzhen: the hunger to explore, to innovate, and to pioneer. This is a new-born city that refuses to rest on its laurels.
From humble beginnings Shenzhen has become an economic powerhouse that is also recognized for its architecture, historical sites, thriving art scene, surrounding mountains and beautiful coastline.
In the 2015 Annual Shenzhen Government Report, it was stated: “During the past five years creativity was regarded as a key aspect of the Reform & Opening Up policies. We created an integrated and innovative ecosystem to encourage creativity. In a fiercely competitive world, only the people who innovate will grow in strength and come through to win.”
Listed as one of UNESCO’s Creative Cities, Shenzhen is committed to “promoting creativity and the cultural industries, strengthening participation in cultural life and integrating culture in urban development plans”. It is a spirit that will be much in evidence at the Shenzhen International, which will be co-hosted by the European Tour and the China Golf Association.
Shenzhen International, Your Home Course, is the brand-new theme for the tournament and illustrates perfectly the Spirit of Shenzhen by giving players and spectators a sense of pride and ownership of the event.
With the aim of giving the crowds flocking to the tournament a day to remember – whether or not they know anything about the game of golf – the tournament has adopted the Shenzhen spirit of creativity and pioneering by learning from the Phoenix Open and the NBA half-time show.
Among other attractions, there will be the 8-kilometer green walk outside the course and interaction with the players on the 18th hole. In this way, those new to the sport will gain a better understanding of golf etiquette and experience the true spirit of the game at close quarters, while being given a different impression of a golf tournament, where golf can be as fun and exciting as other sports.
Not only to the spectators, the new theme will also make the players feel as if they are at a home away from home. The tournament has already attracted a host of international stars, among them two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Chinese hero Li Hao Tong, and will be broadcasted around the world. It carries a prize fund of $2.8million and exemplifies all that the city represents.
As Mr. Fei Hailong, the Vice President of Genzon Group states: “We are committed to organizing a golf tournament reflecting the Shenzhen spirit, as we are the first golf tournament named after it. I’m sure the star golfers’ outstanding personalities and the interesting activities will give the spectators a different taste of golf. And we would love to welcome people from all over the world to join and to have fun.”
