On October 16, 2023, a press conference was held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, to kick off the 2024 Hangzhou Golf Open, taking place from October 17 to 20 at the West Lake Golf Club. The tournament will feature over 120 players from more than 20 countries competing for a total prize purse of $500,000.
The past year saw the European Challenge Tour’s return to China, with the Hangzhou Open becoming the second back-to-back event in five years. All participants are vying for valuable qualification spots for the Rolex Challenge Tour Finals, supported by R&A.
Danyang Ji, the Director of the European Challenge Tour, expressed, “The Challenge Tour has been operating in China for over a decade. We are thrilled to host a new event in Hangzhou during such a critical time of the season. After this week’s competition, the top 45 players on the ‘Road to Mallorca’ will qualify for the Rolex Challenge Tour Finals, and we anticipate an exciting tournament.”
The year 2024 has already proven to be a remarkable one for Chinese golf. Lin Xiyu won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, Ding Wenyi claimed the title at the 15th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, and Yin Ruoning became the first LPGA homegrown champion in mainland China in seven years.
At the press conference, 19-year-old Ding Wenyi made an appearance, noting that this tournament would mark his professional debut after a successful amateur career. “I’m really happy to be back in Hangzhou for the tournament; this is my first time competing at home this year. I believe it’s going to be an exciting week. I gained valuable experience here during the Asian Games last year,” Ding stated. “I’m looking forward to my first professional event, but I won’t put too much pressure on myself. I hope to gradually adjust to the competitive environment.”
The tournament has attracted an impressive international field, including two-time China Open champion Alexander Levy and Jin Zihao, who leads the earnings list on the Moutai 1935 China Tour.
“I aim to maintain my form throughout the week. After my practice round, I have to say that the West Lake Golf Club is a very challenging course, and I’m looking forward to Sunday’s championship battle,” said Brandon Robinson-Thompson, who is competing in Hangzhou for the first time.
It’s also worth noting that golf enjoys a strong grassroots following in the West Lake District. The rich natural and cultural backdrop of the area significantly enhances the sport’s development. “We plan to strengthen the linkage between the event and the city’s tourism promotion, combining the event’s influence with the city’s recognition and reputation to attract more sports enthusiasts and visitors,” said Yu Yanyan, Director of the District’s Culture, Radio, Film, Tourism, and Sports Bureau.
