China Tour unveils the silverware

The new China Tour pulled back the curtain to unveil the trophy that it hopes will become a symbol of golfing success in the world's most populous nation. At the official opening ceremony for the Tour held at the Elephant Golf Club where the new circuit begins with the start of Wednesday's Beijing Leg, Li Yong, Deputy General Secretary of the China Golf Association (CGA), unveiled the first of the solid silver trophies that will be presented to the winners on every stop of the tour.

"I hope I am the one to get the trophy after the final round," joked Li Chao, the CGA's top-ranked player in 2004 and one of the likely contenders for the title.

"It's a beautiful cup and I want to be the first player to win one, but everyone here wants the same thing too!"

The 45 cm tall solid-silver cup, which cost over US$2,000, will be presented to the victor of the inaugural three-round event on Friday and to the winners of the remaining three legs in 2005.

"It's a very meaningful award for the winner; a reminder to each player of what they've achieved," said Nick Mould, Senior Vice-President of the CGA's partners World Sport Group.

"It was designed specifically for the China Tour. Hopefully it will become instantly recognizable across China, Asia and eventually across the planet as a symbol of a victory of significant value."

Meanwhile Li Chao was among those trying to squeeze some practice in on a miserably wet day today (Tuesday). The 25 year old from Beijing has emerged in the last 12 months as the most likely to rise to the level of China's two most successful golfers - Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong - neither of whom have entered the opening leg.

Li, who was buoyed by two top 10 finishes on the Asian Tour in 2004, was sandwiched by the pair in the only event held this year in China for Chinese golfers. Liang won the Uni Cup China Pro-Am in Beijing last month and Zhang finished third, while Li's runner-up spot has made him the automatic target for everyone on the Beijing Leg. Yet even he seemed in awe of the surroundings of the China Tour's inaugural event.

"I think the atmosphere is great. It feels like a real professional tournament. This is a good development. I'll certainly do everything I can to help this tour," he said.

"I'm happy to be able to join. The signs and banners on the course make it look and feel like a real professional tournament. It's a sign that things are improving. Over the past six months there haven't been too many opportunities to practice and play. I need this opportunity and I'm going to take every chance the China Tour gives me to play. This is definitely going to help me improve. Everyone thinks this is a good chance. We haven't had such a really professional tournament for Chinese golfers before. This is better. I hope the China Tour will eventually get up among the top six tours in the world: up with the PGA Tour, the European PGA Tour, the Asian Tour and the Japan Tour."

Li's thoughts were echoed by his rivals, who are likely to include Huang Mingjie, Huang Yongguan, Fu Tai and fellow Beijing professional Shang Lei.

"The more tournaments we have like this the better," said 24 year old Shang. "It's a good stage to perform on as a professional. It's going to be better than ever and I know I am going to improve and improve because I know there are more events coming. We need to strengthen our minds before we can become successful professionals on the big tours. That¡¯s the goal: my goal is to become a true international golfer."

The China Tour is almost certain to get off to a damp, if not soggy start, with more rain forecast and officials doubtful that the course will recover in time for a prompt start. When play does get underway the 7,178 yards and endless sand traps will make for a tough opening day's play.

"The driver has to be very accurate. If you get into the fairway bunkers it is very difficult," said Li, who recently became attached to Shanghai's Sheshan Club.

"You have to be conservative. You can't attack too much because of the bunkers and the rough. I'm trying not to give myself too much pressure; I'm trying to stay under control," said Li. "I think I have the ability to average 69 for each round, and I think the winner is likely to be six or seven under par."

August 16, 2005

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