Pine Valley eyeing 10-year date with Beijing Open

The 2007 Pine Valley Beijing Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour & China Golf Association (CGA), will be hosted at the Pine Valley Golf Resort & Country Club from April 26-29.

The competition takes place over four days and offers 4 million RMB ($500,000) in total prize money. It will feature over 156 players from 30 countries and regions, including some of China's most prominent golfers.

The Pine Valley Golf Resort & Country Club has played host to several international and domestic golf competitions, among them, the 2004 Volkswagen Masters China and 2005 Johnnie Walker Classic. With the support and cooperation of the Chinese Golf Association (CGA), and given its status as a stop on the Asian Tour, organizers of the Beijing Open have adopted a long-term view and anticipate it will be held at the resort over the next 10 years.

"The growing popularity of golf in China has been evident in recent years and on behalf of the CGA, we are delighted to announce the launch of the Pine Valley Beijing Open," said CGA deputy secretary general Li Yong. "With the strengthening of ties with the Asian Tour, we believe that this tournament has the potential to become one of Beijing's most influential events. We hope with our joint efforts, this game shall maintain stable growth in the years to come."

Dr. Chanchai Ruayrungruang, owner of the Pine Valley Golf Club, echoed similar sentiments: "As the premier golf club in China, Pine Valley is honored to title sponsor the Pine Valley Beijing Open. Our world-class venue has hosted many international tournaments, but hosting our very own tournament gives us greater pleasure and honor. We will make every effort to ensure its success for the years to come and we look forward to welcoming the best players from the Asian Tour as well as China's leading golfers in April for what promises to be a spectacular launch."

Chinese stars Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong will lead the local challenge in the tournament. Zhang was the 2003 Singapore Masters champion while Liang triumphed recently in the same tournament and is presently ranked second on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit.

Golf fans will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the "Golden Bear," Jack Nicklaus, general designer of Pine Valley's golf courses, will be present to take part in the opening ceremony of the club's Phase II golf course. Nicklaus will also tee off the 2007 Pine Valley Beijing Open and take part in tournament festivities. Nicklaus is one of the most accomplished players in the history of major championship golf, winning 73 PGA tournaments and 18 professional majors twice as many as most of his rivals.

"The tournament will be the fifth in China to feature on the Asian Tour this year, which solidifies our growing partnership with the CGA," said Asian Tour chairman Kyi Hla Han. "The Jack Nicklaus-designed Pine Valley course has won numerous accolades in the past and I am confident the best players from the Asian Tour and China will produce top class performances as they search for success at the Pine Valley Beijing Open."

The new tournament is grateful for the support of Red Bull Vitamin Drink Co. Ltd., and event organizers Octagon, as well as the cooperation of its event partners: Zurich Insurance Company (financial services partner), Phoenix TV (international media partner), Sun TV (broadcast partner), and sina.com (exclusive website partner).

China Daily

(China Daily 03/30/2007 page22)