One may need an endless list to fall in love with a city; while for Foshan, there might be just one – The Foshan Open, a yearly European Challenge Tour competition.
On July 14 the 2016 Guangdong Junior Golf Open, which is also a qualifier for The Foshan Open, took place, and Cai Yi-chen was victorious in the Boy’s A category.
At the prize ceremony, Keith Hardman, General Manager of Foshan Golf Club, presented the official sponsor’s invitation to Yi-chen, allowing him to compete on Europe’s top developmental tour in The Foshan Open.
A media gathering party was held afterwards, where Keith Hardman officially unveiled the main theme of this year’s tournament – Love Canton, Love Golf.
Representatives of event sponsors Hitachi Elevator, Shiwan Wine Group, KITO, were also present and witnessed the memorable moment.
Since its commencement in 2013, The Foshan Open has established itself on the European Challenge Tour as an indispensable event for many of the top players.
In 2015, The Foshan Open raised its prize money from $350,000 to $500,000 (an increase of 40%), staging itself as one of the Tour’s top three tournaments in prize money.
The prize money and points will make the event a huge draw to competitors, by helping them make a final push to reach the top 15 in the Road to Oman.
As one of the tournaments with the most Chinese participants, The Foshan Open has played an important role in the growth of Chinese players. Zhang Huilin, the winner of the 2015 Low Chinese Player, won his first trophy soon after competing last year.
The Foshan Open has taken root in the metropolitan circle of Guangzhou and Foshan, immersed by the local culture.
Over the years, the event has grown into a household name with high recognition in China and aboard.
As one of three top sporting events in Foshan each year, it is now a popular option for all the family. People are getting familiar with the healthy and green sport of golf, and the historic city of Foshan, by participating in many of the lively activities, like the Green Passport.
This year, another magnificent activity is being added to the tournament schedule: Salute to Scotland. This will be done by introducing and displaying the tradition and sophistication of golf from its birthplace.
In this Olympic year, when golf returns after 100 years, this event further demonstrates The Foshan Open’s position as a long-standing and committed promotor of Chinese golf. Local fans can experience pure Scottish golf culture, which will further promote the concept of Love Canton, Love Golf.
“The Foshan Open is pleased to announce that it has teamed up with Scottish Development International to jointly run a Golf Industry Symposium during the week of the event,” said Hardman.
“Approximately 200 club managers and owners, as well as aspiring professional coaches and course superintendents from all over China will attend.
“It will provide attendees with the opportunity to visit and experience Scotland’s unique golfing heritage, culture and facilities.”
Since the beginning, the organisers of The Foshan Open have been fully conscious of the importance to cultivate young golfers, who are essential to the future of Chinese golf.
Cai Yi-chen, the champion of 2016 Guangdong Junior Golf Open, which is also a qualifier for The Foshan Open, has won an invitation to play in The 2016 Foshan Open.
By holding a junior amateur qualifier for four years, The Foshan Open has continuously introduced young talented golfers to an upgraded stage to play with world-class players.
In early 2016, a team consisting of potential golfers was built up when Foshan Golf Club became the training base of Guangdong Junior Golf.
In addition, the organisers will implement the Pro-Youth program in The 2016 Foshan Open, further deepening the communication between golfers and parents. It can be foreseen that this program will surely gain widespread attention.
As a prosperous community, Canton First Estate continues their strong financial commitment to The Foshan Open and youth golf, with the aim to make golf part of the DNA of the community.
Now, people in this international town are enjoying great life quality, as well as a healthy lifestyle, which in return firms Canton First Estate’s faith – Love Canton, Love Golf.
