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HSBC & CGA to develop junior golf in China

HSBC and the China Golf Association (CGA) have announced a ground-breaking three-year partnership that will see it develop the country’s junior golf programme. HSBC will be the exclusive partner from the financial services sector to work with the CGA for the development of junior golf in China over the next three years.

It is the first time junior golf in China will benefit from such an all encompassing programme that will cover nationwide initiatives for junior golf led by the CGA.

Richard Yorke, CEO China, HSBC said: “We are delighted to be working with the China Golf Association on the long-term development of golf in China. Through this grassroots programme, we hope to enable the game to reach more of China’s youth.”

“This programme is in keeping with HSBC’s commitment to developing golf globally at all levels and compliments our sponsorship of the HSBC Champions at the very top of the sport. This is a blueprint of what HSBC is trying to achieve around the world, supporting both the professional as well as the grassroots of the game,” said Giles Morgan, head of sports sponsorship and marketing at HSBC.

Zhang Xiao Ning, Deputy Chairman and Secretary General, China Golf Association said: “We’re extremely pleased to announce this deal with HSBC that will help grow the game further in China. The future for golf in China is shaping our very own stars to be on par with the world’s leading golfers, and this partnership with HSBC provides the right platform and opportunity to do that.”

The new deal builds on the success of the recent HSBC Future Champions Tour - a grassroots programme which saw HSBC working closely with the CGA, hosting a series of golf clinics in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu earlier this year.

IMG will assist with the implementation of this programme.

“It is very important for the future success of golf in China that the grassroots of the game is given the right investment to develop and flourish,” said European Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie, who last month gave two Chinese junior players a special golf clinic in London courtesy of HSBC.

November 11, 2006