In an interview with the Global Times on Wednesday, Wei Qingfeng, secretary-general of the China Golf Association (CGA), disclosed that the United States Golf Association (USGA) is eager to enhance collaboration with the CGA and revive significant events such as the China-US Youth Team Competition and US Women’s Open Championship Qualifying.
Following an invitation from the International Golf Federation and other entities, CGA chairman He Fengxiang and Wei Qingfeng attended the Masters Tournament in April. During their visit, they engaged in discussions with representatives from the International Golf Federation, the USGA, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, the PGA Tour, and other stakeholders.
Wei Qingfeng reminisced about the memorable visits of the US youth team to China in 2011, 2013, and 2015, highlighting the positive impact of these exchanges. Both parties have reached a consensus to alternate hosting the China-US Youth Team Competition in the near future.
The US Women’s Open Championship had previously organized qualifying events in China for several years, benefiting Chinese athletes like Shi Yuting, Liu Yan, and Liu Yiyi. However, due to internal strategic adjustments by the USGA, this year’s qualifying events will be held at 23 sites across the US, as well as in Canada, Japan, and Germany. Nonetheless, the USGA is considering reinstating the qualifying tournament for the US Women’s Open Championship in China, given the increasing participation of Chinese female athletes in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and Epson Tour in the US.
Additionally, He and Wei provided insights into the progress of golf development in China, CGA’s initiatives and strategic plans, and the expansion of the Moutai 1935 China Tour. Reports indicate that the China Tour aims to host 13 events in 2024, with plans for further expansion in the following year. These events attract competitors from nearly 20 countries and regions worldwide to vie in tournaments held in China.
By the conclusion of 2023, an estimated 100,000 registered young individuals are expected to participate in golf activities in China. The China Golf Association primarily promotes and popularizes golf through organizing various youth events, implementing youth rankings, conducting grade evaluations, and fostering the growth of campus golf programs.