China
Women's national team members join amateur tour
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-05-12 10:48
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Beijing - The popularity of the China Amateur Golf Futures Tour (GFT) is set to hit new heights as the Chinese women's national team will, for the first time, take part in the 2010 GFT's second stage in Beijing and challenge some of the best amateurs from around the nation.
Since golf was allowed to return to Olympics, the sport has drawn extra attention from media and fans and the national team's performance, especially the women, is likely to attract the spotlight during the Asian Games.
Coached by New Zealander Gareth Winslow, the eight female players have been in a training camp at the California County Golf Club since March and are glad to see GFT's Beijing stage become their first chance to test themselves in a competitive environment.
"My best performance during training at the club is 72. It will be my first time playing on the GFT and I hope I can win the tournament to boost my confidence," said Li Jiayun, captain of the national team.
Three players will be picked to represent China at the Asian Games and Li, 21, hopes she is one of them.
"It is still unknown (who will be selected). But all of us are working extremely hard for such a chance. The GFT is a very good start to test ourselves."
Li's teammate, Luo Ying, joked she hoped the national team players occupied the top eight spots after the Beijing tournament.
"If all of us could finish top eight, that would be the best result for national team as well as for our preparations," Luo said with a smile.
It will not be an easy task for them as this stage has attracted 42 players, doubling the field at last year's event.
There are also a record of 118 golfers in the men's field.
