Chinese golf becomes a major force

By Nick Mulvenney

SHANGHAI, Nov 8 (Reuters) - China's golf chief Zhang Xiaoning said extending the rain-disrupted HSBC Champions to Monday signified the world's most populous country had arrived as a major force in international golf.

Wet weather washed out play on Friday and delayed the start of the second round by three hours on Saturday, forcing organisers of the $5 million tournament to schedule a fifth day.

"Monday play is an honour reserved for only the most important tournaments," said Zhang, secretary-general of the China Golf Association (CGA).

"It has proved we have one of the world's most important tournaments and it has proved Chinese golf has truly arrived on the world stage."

The 2005 Asian Open in Shanghai was also rain-disrupted and extended to Monday but China's golfing trailblazer Zhang Liangwei said the decision to extend this week's event was a "significant moment".

"I'm very proud for Chinese golf," said the 43-year-old, who was the first man from his country to play at one of golf's four majors, the 2004 U.S. Masters.

"At the start of my career there were almost no tournaments in China. Now we have an event that is treated with the respect normally given to the majors."

My thoughts

I keep hearing China is the future and this step shows that they are serious about their golf. What will the golfing world look like in 50 years? I am not sure, but I am convinced China will be involved!

This week in golf

LPGA TOUR

Ginn Open

Site: Reunion, Fla.

Schedule: Thursday-Sunday.

Course: Ginn Reunion Resort (6,505 yards, par 72).

Last year: Brittany Lincicome beat Lorena Ochoa by a stroke for her second tour title, closing with an even-par 72 in windy conditions. Ochoa finished with a 77.

PGA TOUR

Verizon Heritage

Site: Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Schedule: Thursday-Sunday.

Course: Harbour Town Golf Links (6,973 yards, par 71).

Purse: $5.5 million. Winner's share: $990,000.

FedEx Cup points: 25,000. Winner's share: 4,500.

Last year: Boo Weekley won his first PGA Tour title, chipping in on the final two holes to hold off Ernie Els by a stroke.

PGA EUROPEAN TOUR/ASIAN TOUR/CHINA GOLF ASSOCIATION

Volvo China Open

Site: Beijing.

Schedule: Thursday-Sunday.

Course: Beijing CBD International Golf Club (7,321 yards, par 72).

Purse: $2.2 million. Winner's share: $367,740.

Last year: Austria's Markus Brier won at Shanghai Silport, finishing with a 4-under 67 for a five-stroke victory.

Chinese golf tour to hit the million

China's domestic golf tour is to offer total prize money of more than one million dollars for the first time next season, organisers said on Wednesday.

The China Tour will grow to 10 events in its fourth year, with purses totaling 1.1 million dollars, they said.

Liang Wenchong, a three-time winner on the tour, proved its worth by becoming China's first Asian Order of Merit winner this year.

"Liang Wenchong gained a great deal of experience from playing on the Omega China Tour and of course this year went on to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit title," said Chinese sports official Zhang Xiaoning.

The first tournament will be held in Guangzhou in March and the tour will wind up in Beijing in October. Li Chao, this year's merit winner, and Chinese trailblazer Zhang Lianwei will both compete, organisers said.

AFP

My thoughts

Asian golf continues to grow and with the money pouring in it seems it will only get stronger. I wonder where it will be in 20 years?

Do you have an opinion? Feel free to leave a comment.

Golf: HSBC Champions Tournament Preivew

Tiger is missing, but the field that has assembled for this tournament suggests that Asian golf is on the up and up. The world ranking points and the 5 million dollar prize money probably helped too.

Some of the top players that have turned out include:
Phil Mickelson
Ernie Els
Vijay Singh
Angel Cabrera
Padraig Harrington
K.J. Choi

For some reason Ernie Els pops up in my mind as my tip for the event. However Angel Cabrera has been is some kind of form this season and could take out his second event in as many weeks. Luckily for me China falls within my timezone so I will be watching closely.