Volvo boosts China Open prize fund to US$2.2m

The ever growing importance of the Volvo China Open will see its total prize fund increase to US$2.2 million this year, organisers announced today.

The 14th staging of the Open Championship of China will be played at the Beijing CBD International Golf Club from April 17 to 20 and sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and China Golf Association.

The US$200,000 boost from last year’s purse of US$2 million is a testament of Volvo’s strong commitment towards golf in China, said Volvo Event Management acting head Klas Magnusson.

“We are delighted to announce a record prize fund for the 2008 Volvo China Open,” said Magnusson.

“Thirteen years ago, Volvo made a commitment to golf in China by playing a major role in the establishment of the Open Championship of China and we are delighted that this event has become a world-class extravaganza that all of China can be proud of.

“Volvo is truly excited to remain as a major partner of the China Golf Association and we share in its vision to grow the game of golf in this great nation through the successful staging of the Volvo China Open. We have an agreement with the CGA to sponsor the Championship until 2015 and we will endeavour to grow its prestige and heritage.”

The Volvo China Open will be played for the first time at the highly rated Beijing CBD International, a par-72, 7,300 yards challenge which is located within the Central Business District of the Chinese capital. Designed by Brit Stenson, the CBD course is touted as the only TPC (Tournament Player Course) in Asia.

Magnusson said that the decision to stage the 2008 edition in Beijing was to mark China’s hosting of the Olympic Games in August. Last year’s event was played at Shanghai Silport Golf Club where Austrian Markus Brier claimed a memorable victory.

“This year is a time for celebration in Beijing,” said Magnusson. “It’s one of the world’s great cities with a lot of beauty. Our venue, the Beijing CBD International Golf Club is a lovely but challenging golf course, and we want the people of Beijing to come and see one example of the beauty of their city while it is open for the Volvo China Open,” he said.

Asian Tour’s Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded Volvo’s commitment towards the Volvo China Open. “Since its inauguration in 1994, the Volvo China Open has taken its rightful place as one of the most prestigious national Championships in the region and it is largely due to the grand vision and commitment of Volvo. It does not believe in doing things in half measures and the Asian Tour is delighted to have forged such a long, strong and dynamic partnership with Volvo in our mutual ambition to promote the game in Asia.

“Golf in the Middle Kingdom, as well as in Asia, is developing at a rapid pace and the Volvo China Open has certainly played an important role. We are also delighted that prize money will increase to US$2.2 million this year, which certainly reinforces the Volvo China Open’s position as a premier national Championship in the region,” said Han.

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “We are delighted that the prize fund for the 2008 Volvo China Open has increased to $2.2 million with a first prize of $366,660, confirming the growth of a tournament which was carefully nurtured for over a decade by Mel Pyatt until his recent retirement as President and CEO of Volvo Event Management.

“This will be the fifth co-sanctioned Volvo China Open between The European Tour and the Asian Tour and it is highly appropriate that, in Olympic year, the event – won in 2007 by Austria’s Markus Brier - should return to the city of Beijing and CBD International Golf Club to celebrate the 29th Olympiad.”

February 29 , 2008

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