IMG director shares thoughts on WGC-HSBC Champions
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Grant Slack, managing director of IMG Golf China |
1. What's new about this year's HSBC Champions tournament? Can you give us some examples?
Each year we have active discussions with all stakeholders and review all elements of the tournament to determine where we would like to improve for the next edition. This includes the field and world class players, hospitality, return on investment and exposure for sponsors, media, officials and the spectator experience. This ensures we continue to align the tournament to each stakeholder objective and improve in all areas. An example would be the interactive area for the 2010 tournament that will have some new and exciting activities this year.
2. What are your thoughts on the current level of golf development in China? Do you have any suggestions on how golf in China can catch up with leading golf nations?
The interest in golf is rising exponentially in China. The game is gaining popularity faster than any other country in the world. The Chinese are also placing more value on golf. They are inspired to achieve success in their businesses and careers, and golf also plays an important role in the international business culture. Also, the Chinese are becoming increasingly more affluent and are enjoying a healthier lifestyle, which golf conforms to.
The elevation of this event has helped boost the level of the game and its development within China. This all helps to solidify the prediction that China will be the next Japan or Korea, which are the two leading golf markets in Asia. I see a lot of potential for golf in China.
3. How have the achievements of the HSBC Champions tournament helped promote golf in China over the past five years?
The WGC-HSBC Champions is a flagship tournament for Asia, and golfers on all of the International Federation Tours compete year-round to win a start in the championship. Spots have also been allocated to the China Golf Association for the leading four players in China, and this has proven to be a fantastic opportunity for the best players in China to compete with the very best players in the world. We believe that the tournament has also helped in terms of popularity and development, and it is fantastic to see more young people actively participating in the sport. IMG is involved with the CGA-HSBC Junior program, and we are impressed with the talent and continued improvement at all ages.
(China Daily 10/29/2010)
