Beijing, China: Nelson & Haworth-designed Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai will act as host venue for the 11th edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC).
Founded in 2009 by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the Masters Tournament and The R&A, the AAC was established to further develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region.
The champion receives an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament and The Open, while the runner(s)-up gain a place in Final Qualifying for The Open.
“It is an honour to join the Founding Partners in carrying out this tremendous event and helping bring attention to the talented amateur golfers throughout the Asia Pacific region,” said Roger Foo, General Manager of Sheshan Golf Club.
“Our club prides itself on supporting the game of golf by hosting major events as well as creating new golfers at the grass-roots level through our junior programme.
“Hosting the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is an extension of our vision to see the game of golf thrive in China, and we are excited to welcome the region’s best amateurs to Shanghai in 2019.”
Sheshan Golf Club, at the base of Sheshan Mountain, is a private club designed by Neil Haworth and Robin Nelson. Nelson & Haworth Golf Course Architects is an Associate Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
The only country with three past champions, China saw continued success at the 2017 AAC in New Zealand, with four of its players finishing in the top-five.
“I’m excited that the AAC is returning to China,” said Lin Yuxin, 2017 AAC champion. “I am very aware of what this event represents for the region. The opportunity to showcase Chinese golf at Sheshan Golf Club is incredible for the future of the sport in this country.”
Pang Zheng, Secretary-General of the China Golf Association, said: “The AAC has had a profound effect on the game of golf here in China in a short amount of time.
“The opportunities awarded to the amateurs are truly life-changing and, as the most televised amateur golf tournament in the world, the event inspires young golfers around the globe.”
Founded in 2004, the par-72, 7,266-yard course plays host annually to the WGC-HSBC Champions, which two-time (2010, 2011) AAC champion Hideki Matsuyama won in 2016.
The 10th edition of the AAC will take place at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore from October 4-7 before returning to China for the third time from September 25-29, 2019.
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