Photo: DR

This four-day golf event will feature the country's 32 best junior golfers and take place in Fujian for the first time in 14 years, while the best Chinese juniors compete for a place in the Volvo China Open 2019.

“The Volvo China Open was born in 1995. It was the year my father and I started to develop Zhangzhou Southern Wood Golf and Country Club in the shadow of Nan Taiwu Mountain in Fujian, this which gives us a strong affinity with the championship ”says Huang.

“Since the club opened in 1996, we have developed a long history in the region and have grown to become one of the best golf courses in China. This prestigious event is not only an ideal opportunity to showcase our excellent facilities and services, but also to promote junior golf in the province, increase the number of young Chinese golf stars and promote tourism in Fujian. "

The decision to postpone the Volvo China Junior Match Play Championship to December 9 and 12 was a challenge for the Volvo China Open organizing team. But with the Southern Wood Golf and Country Club team providing a well-established venue, the popular qualifier will celebrate its 14th anniversary this week and mark a major sporting milestone for Fujian.

"As one of the oldest golf courses in China, the Southern Wood Golf & Country Club has witnessed a lot of development in Fujian"added Huang. “When we first opened the golf course there were very few players and the local farmers were laughing at us and asking why we were planting grass. "

“But with the help of people from Fujian who work overseas, the club's name has been promoted in Taiwan, Japan and Korea, which has not only helped attract golfers to the area, but also business investment to stimulate the local economy. Today about 80% of our members are local players and many of those skeptical farmers also play golf. "

Despite the measures taken by the club to contribute to the development of the sport in the region, Huang also believes that there is still room for growth, especially for junior golf.

“Even though we have witnessed a great development, we are still aiming to reach the level of top golf cities in China. Now that golf is back at the Olympics, the development potential of junior golf is much greater. "

“These young players represent the future of sport. Over the years, we have worked with many national academies to find and develop talented juniors. In fact, Wu Ashun, Volvo China Open 2015 champion, played there regularly from 2000 to 2003 ”.

As one of the most prestigious junior tournaments in the country, the Volvo China Junior Match Play Championship allows young stars of the future and their parents to meet, compete on a stimulating course and compete for places at the Volvo China Open, sanctioned by the European Tour in May 2019.

"Golf is a great sport for making friends, building relationships and staying fit, mentally and physically"said Huang. “We are delighted to host the Volvo China Junior Match Play Championship and hope the players and their families will keep fond memories of their time at Southern Wood Golf & Country Club. "

To know more : https://www.volvochinaopen.com/en