Chengdu Countdown Begins to Volvo China Open 2019
Chengdu (CHINA): Organizers and sponsors of the 2019 Volvo China Open officially launched the countdown to the 25th anniversary of China's National Open Golf Championship at the host venue The Tradition at Wolong Valley today (September 28).
A delegation of VIPs and media from the provincial capital of Sichuan were given a special insight to a course and clubhouse that will welcome the cream of The European Tour as well as China's leading golf professionals when the milestone event is staged from May 2-5, 2019.
It will be the first time in eight years that the RMB 20 million tournament - organised by the China Golf Association, sanctioned by The European Tour and co-promoted by Volvo and Mitime Golf - will be staged on Chengdu's fairways and greens.
And while the venue has previously staged Qualifying Events for the nation's flagship pro golf tournament in 2013 and 2014, it also marks the debut of the Rich Jacobson-designed course on the Volvo China Open calendar.
"Next year will be a true milestone for the Volvo China Open and we are excited to be staging what is a landmark occasion for the sport here in Chengdu," said Mr. Sven De Smet, Chairman of the Volvo China Open Board.
"It's a welcome return to the city after a memorable eight years for the tournament and we are delighted to be coming back to this world-class facility only this time for the tournament itself."
The closest golf club to the city centre of Chengdu, The Tradition at Wolong Valley is a par-72 layout measuring 7,209 yards and will provide the field with a challenging test thanks to its myriad of bunkers and undulating terrain. The course is also located in Longquanyi District, an area title sponsor Volvo knows only too well.
"Volvo has a strong link with this part of China thanks to our presence at the Chengdu Economic and Technological Development Zone (CETDZ)," added De Smet.
"Our facility at the CETDZ, which opened in 2013, was Volvo's first overseas production facility investment since 1969 and underlines our commitment to the area and to China."
Speaking on behalf of The Traditional at Wong Valley, the club’s Gordy Walker, said: “The Club would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Volvo China Open Board of Directors and the China Golf Association for this special opportunity to bring the Open Golf Championship of China back to Chengdu.
“The city of Chengdu and The Tradition are both extremely honored to be selected as host venue for the 2019 Volvo China Open. In conjunction with the China Golf Association, the Club is privileged to stage such a prestigious event.
“Our entire team at The Tradition will work tirelessly to ensure that the first week in May 2019 offers a memorable experience for the Tour players, Pro-Am participants, spectators, and special guests attending the event, while also growing the game of golf in Chengdu.”
The VIP and media briefing saw guests treated to a visit to the club's driving range and club house before learning more about plans for the Volvo China Open itself, a title won by the likes of leading Chinese players Haotong Li and Ashun Wu as well as European Ryder Cup stars Paul Casey and Nicolas Colsaerts.
Volvo China Open
The 25th staging of the Volvo China Open will take place from May 2nh to 5th, 2019 at The Tradition at Wolong Valley in Chengdu, and co-promoted by Mitime Golf and Volvo, with a total prize-fund of RMB 20 million. Volvo was the first western brand to engage with golf in China in 1995, and this will be Volvo's 88th tournament on The European Tour.
China Golf Association
China Golf Association is the governing body of the game of golf in Mainland China.
European Tour
The European Tour is an organization which operates the leading men's professional golf tours in Europe.
