Thrills at the BMW Public Area

Golf superstars aside, one of the star attractions at the BMW Asian Open each year is the spectacular and exciting Public Area located near the 18th green at Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club.

Besides a stunning display of BMW cars, there is also the thrilling BMW xDrive demonstration.

While children enjoy themselves on mini BMW vehicles at the BMW Safety Park, adults can pick up a pointer or two at the UBS Game Improvement Zone, learn from instructors at the Golf Simulators, practice their putting at the Mini Putting Greens, challenge themselves at the Emirates Golf Challenge or sit back and relax with a glass of wine while catching the live action on the tournament TV.

Another star attraction at the Public Area is a daily golf show by current world trick golfshot champion Geoff Swain who is making his debut appearance in Shanghai

Expect fun, thrills, mind blowing trick shots as Geoff will astound audiences with his incredible shot making ability. The Englishman has performed over 400 events in 22 different countries and regions and has featured on Worldwide Golf Television including The Golf Channel, Sky Sports, Setanta Golf, BBC Sport and CNN.

His stunning and inspiring show has impressed many and even the legendary Gary Player had praised Swain as a "fantastic talent."

Where Geoff differs from other golf performers, and what gives him his World Champion status is with his repertoire of golf shots using his amazing hand eye coordination. These includes balls that are thrown in at him from the crowd, tennis shots, half volleys, volleys, bouncing balls and even balls that are heading towards him!

Watch out for the final when Geoff invites a member of the audience to chip a ball at him - which he will then hit in mid air with his driver some 200 yards down the fairway!

The Public Area at the 2008 BMW Asian Open is one stop golf fans cannot miss.

(China Daily 04/23/2008 page30)