The Volvo China Open will make it's long-anticipated return to the DP World Tour's Global Schedule from May 2-5 at Hidden Grace Golf Club in Shenzhen.
As the event returns to the DP World Tour, the total prize fund for the event will also increase from US$1.5 million in 2023 to $2.25 million. Therefore, Volvo China Open will become the golf professional event with the highest total prize fund in mainland China in 2024.
Founded in 1995, the Volvo China Open is the longest-running international professional golf tournament in Chinese mainland and the most influential national golf open championship in China. This year, it will usher in the 29th edition. The 2024 Volvo China Open is hosted by the China Golf Association, title-sponsored and promoted by Volvo Cars, and co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the China Tour. This year's event is the professional men’s golf tournament with the highest OWGR points in Chinese mainland, which will provide opportunities for Chinese men's players to compete for the qualification of the Paris Olympic Games.
"After a long wait, the Volvo China Open has finally returned to the DP World Tour this year, with a total prize fund of $2.25 million, which is exciting. The hosting of the event is an important measure for the China Golf Association and its partners to work together to implement the instructions of the State Council and the General Administration of Sport of China to 'increase the supply of high-quality events'," said Tian Xiaojun, a candidate for the Vice President of the China Golf Association. "In addition, returning to the DP World Tour will greatly enhance Volvo China Open's Olympic points. With the Olympic qualification being determined in June, the hosting of the event is of great significance for our team's preparation for the Paris Olympics, and will also play a positive role in promoting the popularization of golf in China."
"We are delighted that after an absence of four seasons, the Volvo China Open is returning to the DP World Tour’s global schedule as part of our new Asian Swing," said Keith Pelley, CEO of the DP World Tour. "China has been one of the most valued golf markets for the DP World Tour for a number of years now. Since we first sanctioned the Volvo China Open in 2004, we have seen strong momentum by working closely with the China Golf Association, a long-term partnership that we formalised earlier this year. The return of the Volvo China Open was an important part of that agreement, and we look forward to showcasing a strong field of DP World Tour professionals in May alongside some promising young Chinese players.”
The Volvo China Open first settled at Shenzhen’s Hidden Grace Golf Club in 2014, and has been held at this well-known pure membership golf private club in Shenzhen from 2019 to 2023. This year will be the club's sixth time hosting the Volvo China Open.
"Since hosting the Volvo China Open for the first time in 2014, we have formed an inseparable bond with the DP World Tour. We have also independently hosted three DP World Tour certified tournaments and have become part of the European Tour Destinations network," said Ali Kong, General Manager of Shenzhen’s Hidden Grace Golf Club, "This year's Volvo China Open returns to the DP World Tour, and we are extremely excited. We also look forward to working together with Volvo Cars, DP World Tour, and China Tour under the guidance of the China Golf Association to host this tournament well."
The 2024 Volvo China Open will have 156 participants, including nearly 100 DP World Tour players, 36 Chinese Tour players, the defending champion, the men's champion of the 2023 Volvo China Junior Match Play Championship, the champion of the 2023 China Amateur Open Golf Championship, five professional wild card players, and two amateur wild card players. In addition, unqualified professional players, outstanding junior players, and ordinary golf enthusiasts can also compete for 12 spots through the 2024 Volvo China Open qualification round.
Michel Zhao, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Volvo China Open, summarized: “The successful opening of the 28th Volvo China Open to the international community has given us great confidence and encouragement. With the strong support of the China Golf Association, governments at all levels in Guangdong Province and Shenzhen City, as well as the DP World Tour, I believe we can definitely organize the tournament well and once again present a wonderful and diverse tournament to golf enthusiasts. On the road to returning to the international community, we will adhere to the concept of an open, green and sustainable tournament, continue the tradition since 2005, hold a qualification round, and open to all international and domestic players, making this year's tournament a golf event that guides the public to practice a low-carbon and healthy lifestyles."
