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HSBC announce grassroots intiative in China

HSBC has announced a new partnership with the China Golf Association (CGA) creating a significant grassroots initiative to develop the game in China.

Called the HSBC Future Champions Tour, the programme will see HSBC working closely with the CGA and the David Leadbetter Golf Academy (DLGA) to build on the success of the HSBC Champions tournament and host a series of golf clinics in Beijing, Chengdu, Shenzhen and Shanghai.

These clinics are tailor-made for Chinese golfers of varying abilities, ages and backgrounds by offering expert instruction and advice on the game.

“Golf in China has enormous potential and the HSBC Future Champions Tour has been designed to try and unlock that potential in line with HSBC’s commitment to developing the game at all levels,” said Giles Morgan, Head of Sports Sponsorship and Marketing at HSBC.

“The HSBC Future Champions Tour builds on the high profile success of the HSBC Champions and is exactly the type of initiative which will help achieve long term growth of the sport in China.”

The most promising juniors and coaches from each of the clinics will be invited to the HSBC Future Champions Tour Grand Final hosted by Paul Hoad, Director of DLGA China, at the HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club, 9-12 November, 2006.

Zhang Xiao Ning, Deputy Chairman and Secretary General, China Golf Association said: “We are extremely pleased to work with HSBC and the DLGA through the HSBC Future Champions Tour as it is through grassroots initiatives such as this that will help grow the game further in China. The future for golf in China is shaping our very own stars to be at par with the world’s leading golfers, and the HSBC Future Champions Tour provides the right platform and opportunity for aspiring golfers.”

At the same time as announcing the new partnership with the CGA, HSBC also confirmed eight more world class golfers, including Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk, David Howell, Zhang Lian-Wei, KJ Choi and Colin Montgomerie who will play in the HSBC Champions alongside local players Liang Wen Chong and Li Chao. They will all line up against world number one Tiger Woods, who has already confirmed he will play in the event.

The HSBC Champions offers the largest prize fund in Asia of US$5 million and features winners from five leading golf tours as well as the top 50 from the Official World Rankings qualifying. The event is co-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour, the PGA of Australasia, the Sunshine (South Africa) Tour and the China Golf Association.

August 31, 2006