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Golf chief: We should make women's golf more beautiful

By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-27 08:03

From left to right: Qin Qianhui, Lin Yezhou, Zhang Jinge from China, Yu Okamura from Japan and Thailand's Porani Chutichai pose on the Great Wall before the opening round of the Chinese LPGA Beijing Orient Pearl Challenge on Wednesday.

Colorful shirts and skirts the order of the day to boost the sport's appeal

BEIJING - A series of pictures, which feature some Chinese women's golf players wearing bikinis at a hotel's swimming pool during last week's Chinese LPGA (CLGPA) Beijing Renji Challenge, has stirred controversy on the Internet.

However, a Chinese golf official said it's good for women golfers to show their beautiful side on and off the course; as long as it does not affect their game.

"I think it's a good thing for the sport as extra attention will be paid to the CLPGA," said Wang Liwei, vice-president of the Chinese Golf Association, during a press conference for the CLPGA Orient Pearl Challenge on Wednesday. "Women's golf lags far behind men's in terms of marketing and competitiveness. So big efforts have to be made to help promote women's golf around the world. Even the US LPGA is making moves to make women's golf more charming and eye-catching."

Wang said Chinese players are usually too shy to display their personalities during competitions and that does little to promote or popularize the sport here.

"Whether you win or lose, you should show your confident and beautiful side in front of the media. Lots of Chinese players lower their heads when the limelight is turned to them."

Wang is also encouraging women players to wear fashionable shirts and skirts to increase the game's appeal.

"Women's golf is not all about competition. It's also about fresh air, beautiful scenes and the young and dynamic girls.

"Young players should try wearing shirts and skirts with bright colors."

According to the organizing committee, the Orient Pearl Challenge, the fourth stage of 2011 CLPGA tour which is being held from Thursday to Saturday, will set up a "Most Beautiful Award" for the player who gains the most votes from fans and media about her attire.

It should provide motivation for the Chinese women to pay extra attention to their outfits and make-up as foreign players in the CLPGA are more willing to wear colorful shirts and attractive skirts.

Porani Chutichai of Thailand is one who draws the spotlight due to her bright-colored clothes.

"I think golf is not just coming out to play the game. It's also coming out to show yourself," said Chutichai, one of the CLPGA's leading players who has won two of the past three events.

"Golf also means fashion, so I like to make myself look beautiful in front of the spectators."

But Chutichai admitted appearances are just an addition to the game and what players care most about is how to prepare to win titles.

Porani is one of the favorites at this week's event but she will face stiff challenges from some local women who have returned to the tour.

After a half-month long training camp and competitions in the United States, national team captain Li Jiayun and four compatriots hope to show off their new and improved games.

"We gained a lot in the US," said Li, who competed in US Open qualifying but failed to make the cut. "It was a great experience and will definitely lift my game for the coming tournament."

China Daily

(China Daily 05/27/2011 page23)