by sportswriter He Leijing
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- In China, where golf still occupies a niche corner of the sporting landscape, a quiet transformation is underway, one measured not just in birdies and bogeys, but in patience, persistence and long-term vision.
The 31st edition of the Volvo China Open, held from April 23 to 26 in Shanghai, offers a compelling window into how the sport is steadily expanding its reach in the country.
"After more than three decades, I see the China Open as something like an 18-year-old golfer, still developing, full of promise, yet not without uncertainty," tournament chairperson Zhao Qin told Xinhua.
Zhao's assessment captures the ambition that underpins the event's evolution. "We focus on a commitment to growth guided by long-term thinking rather than short-term acclaim," she added.
Founded in 1995, the Volvo China Open remains the longest-running international professional golf tournament on the Chinese mainland and a co-sanctioned event by the DP World Tour and the China Tour.
This year, 156 players from 28 countries and regions gathered at the Enhance Anting Golf Club, competing for a purse of 2.75 million U.S. dollars, with 467,500 dollars awarded to the champion.
FIND THE SWING
When the tournament first teed off 31 years ago, golf was very much a fringe sport to the Chinese public. Fewer than 10 courses dotted the country, and the number of active players barely reached 100,000. Today, that figure has surged into the millions, a shift Zhao attributes in part to the China Open's presence.
In its early years, the tournament served as a rare portal through which Chinese players could glimpse the global game. Over time, it has evolved into a bridge, connecting domestic talent with international competition, and exposing audiences to the sport's nuances and appeal.
More than 40 Chinese players featured in this year's field, practicing and competing alongside champions from the DP World Tour. For many, the experience is both humbling and instructive.
"They can see the gap, and more importantly, understand how to close it," Zhao said. At the same time, elite-level performances have helped spark curiosity among spectators, drawing more newcomers to the fairways.
The past three decades have witnessed not only a surge in participation but also a marked rise in competitive standards. From pioneers such as Cheng Jun and Zhang Lianwei to modern contenders like Wu Ashun and Li Haotong, Chinese golf has steadily narrowed the gap with the world's elite.
That progress is increasingly visible on the global stage. Chinese players have secured memberships on both the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, while qualification pathways to majors have become more merit-based.
Two decades ago, golfer Zhang Lianwei still required a wildcard to enter the Masters Tournament. Now, Li Haotong earns his place through performance and has also qualified for the PGA Championship and the Open Championship.
Beyond prestige, the China Open carries tangible stakes. World ranking points on offer at the event play a decisive role in Olympic qualification, where rankings serve as the sole gateway to participation.
Organizers say that as the cycle toward Los Angeles 2028 enters its final stretch, such tournaments provide Chinese players with crucial opportunities to sharpen their skills and climb the rankings.
A new generation is also emerging. According to Zhao, rising talents such as Ding Wenyi, Zhou Yanhan, and teenagers like Han Jin and Li Mengyang signal a deepening talent pool. Youth development programs, bolstered by nationwide junior competitions, are further widening the pipeline.
BEYOND THE FAIRWAYS
The evolution of the China Open mirrors a broader trend in China's sports industry, where events increasingly intersect with culture, tourism and consumption. Sporting spectacles are no longer confined to stadiums; they have become platforms for urban branding and economic activation.
Zhao sees the tournament as more than a competition. "We want it to be a platform and an engine that integrate culture, commerce, tourism, exhibitions and even agriculture," she said. "Only then can it generate greater, more comprehensive value."
During tournament week, international players ventured beyond the course, visiting local libraries, theaters and water towns, immersing themselves in Shanghai's cultural fabric. Such initiatives are designed to position the event as a gateway to the city.
The commercial ripple effects are notable. Last year, the tournament piloted a ticket stub pattern, offering discounts at nearby retail and dining outlets. Participating venues saw a measurable uptick in foot traffic, with some restaurants reporting increases of over 30 percent.
According to the organizers, the program this year has expanded to more than 230 merchants across Shanghai's Jiading District, as well as select tourist attractions.
For Zhao, the model represents a shift in thinking. "The real value lies in converting short-term event traffic into long-term urban engagement," she said. "A tournament should not only generate ticket revenue, but also stimulate dining, hospitality, retail and tourism, embedding golf into the everyday life of the city."
Organizers of the national championship are setting their sights high. Drawing inspiration from the Open Championship, they aspire to build a Chinese equivalent, an event steeped in tradition, yet forward-looking in scope.
That ambition, Zhao acknowledged, will require sustained effort to enhance competitive quality, broaden the tournament's reach and deepen its integration with the city it calls home.
"We want this event to endure, to grow sustainably over the long term," she said. "China's golf market holds immense potential. As the industry matures and talent continues to emerge, the rest will follow naturally." ■
