Classic Platform to 'Promote Growth of Golf in Asia'

Zhengzhou, Henan, China: The Asian Tour returns to China for this week’s inaugural Asia Pacific Classic.
Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the China Tour, the US$300,000 event will take place at the St Andrews Golf Club in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, from May 17-20.
Promoted and operated by Beijing-based promoter CGD (Beijing) Sports Industry Co Ltd (CGDs), the Asia Pacific Classic will feature a 156-man field that comprises 80 Asian Tour professionals and 70 players from the China Golf Association (CGA) and the China Tour, as well as six sponsor invites.
The Tour’s second stop in China this season, the tournament welcomes Rolex as its Official Timekeeper and is part of the Asian Tour’s strategic partnership with the CGA where the goal is to grow and develop professional golf in the region.
The champion of the Asia Pacific Classic will earn a one-year winner’s exemption on the Asian Tour while China Tour professionals, who join as associate members, will have their earnings counted towards the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings and the China Tour Order of Merit.

“The Asian Tour is excited to send our players to Henan Province to compete with the China Tour players at the Asia Pacific Classic,” said Josh Burack, CEO, Asian Tour, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
“The St Andrews Golf Club has been hosting China Tour events for many years, so we are honoured to hold our tournament at their prestigious club which has been such a reliable partner of the CGA and Chinese golf.”
Pang Zheng, CGA Secretary-General, said: “The Asia Pacific Classic will present new opportunities for China golf and promote the growth of the game in Asia. It will be a great tournament and a truly competitive one for golf fans to enjoy.”
Fan Zhiqiang, Chairman of the St Andrews Golf Club, is hopeful that the tournament will boost the golf industry in the region.
“We are committed to hosting professional golf tournaments and we will continue to help develop Chinese golf as well as the sports industry. St Andrews Golf Club welcomes all players to come and enjoy the hospitality of the Central Plains,” he said.