Byeong-hun An and local professional Guo-wu Zhou helped launch the inaugural Shankai Classic presented by IDG as part of a press conference at Chongqing Poly Golf Club attended by dignitaries and local media alike.
After the success of the European Challenge Tour’s return to China last year, for the first time since 2008, this second event to be staged in the country as part of the 2014 schedule is evidence of the growing popularity of the game in the region.
This week is also another opportunity for the second tier to continue to work closely with the China Golf Association, with 62 home grown players set to tee it up from Thursday morning.
One of those in attendance, and speaking as part of the press conference, China Golf Association Vice President, Wang Liwei, said: “The Shankai Classic plays an important role for Chinese golfers to try and improve themselves, and to host a brand new tournament on the European Challenge Tour, which will launch the Final Swing, shows that the people of Chongqing have outstanding vision and a passion for the game of golf.
“The tournament provides a great platform for our golfers to play against the top players in the world, and is also the first world class men’s professional tournament in Chongqing, so golf fans here will enjoy having this in their hometown and the CGA looks forward to working with all its partners to put on a fantastic event for all the golf fans out there.”
Speaking on behalf of the Challenge Tour was Simon Leach, Director and Chief Representative European Tour International, China Region, who added:“The European Challenge Tour is excited and thrilled to have added a second event to its schedule in China, and this will be the first event of our Final Series, and with 27 events throughout 21 countries this season, it proves we are a global tour.
“This event gives us a great opportunity to grow our relationship with the China Golf Association, which we very much value, and we hope we can continue to grow the Challenge Tour in China, as it benefits not only European players, but particularly Chinese players, as they try and play their way on to The European Tour.
“We are very excited by the support from the Chongqing Sports Bureau, Chongqing Poly Golf Club and in particular Shankai – the organisers of this event – as you have done a fantastic job in such a short time span. We would also like to thank all the volunteers for their hard work, as well as the presenting sponsor IDG Capital Partners.”
Shankai Sports are responsible for the running of the event this week and their Co-founder, Olivier Glauser, said: “The Shankai Classic presented by IDG represents the first time that we have been involved in a golf event, so we are delighted with the strength of the field this week, which not only has some of the best players on the Challenge Tour, but also some of the best from China, as well as being played at the beautiful Chongqing Poly Golf Club.
“Shankai Sports and our presenting partner IDG Capital Partners, are very excited about the week ahead as it promises to be a very special tournament, and what we hope will be the start of a landmark event that will develop over the years and truly become a classic.”
An was in attendance as the highest ranked player in the field, entering the week at fourth on the season-long list, and he spoke highly of an event he has every intention of winning.
“This is definitely one of the best events so far,” said the 2014 Rolex Trophy winner. “It is very well organised and the course and setup is excellent so far, so it is a great one to be included in the Final Swing.
“So far I am enjoying my time here, and my goal is to win this week, but if not then I just hope to play my best golf.”
As for one for one of the leading home players, he cannot wait to get started on a course he likes, and in a week that could change the lives of any of the Chinese professionals in attendance.
Zhou said: “Thank you to all the organisers for this opportunity to come and play here. The course is very beautiful and I hope I can play my good form and achieve my best scores this week.”
