Trevor Ng
Golf in China has had a complicated history, with the sport being banned by the Chinese Communist Party in the middle of the 1980s for being too bourgeois. However, in 1984, the first golf course was constructed in China, and since then, the sport has grown in popularity, with numerous golf courses being established, especially in the province of Hainan. Interestingly, some people claim that China invented golf, as a similar game called chuiwan was played in China as early as 1000 AD during the Song dynasty. Chuiwan, which means hit ball or ball-hitting, involved using a stick to hit a ball into goals dug into the ground, and it was played by both commoners and the imperial court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chuiwan, a Chinese game similar to golf | Played as early as 1000 AD, banned by the Chinese Communist Party until the 1980s |
| First golf course in China | Chung Shan Hot Springs in Zhongshan, opened in 1984 |
| Number of golf courses in China | 310 in 2020, 500 currently |
| Golf in China described as | Secret, exclusive, for the super elite, a "sport for millionaires" |
| Golf courses in China | Shenzhen Golf Club, Spring City, Stoneforest International Country Club, Mission Hills Golf Club, Agile Binhai Golf Club Shanghai, Lake Malaren Golf Club Shanghai, Nine Dragons Admirals Golf Club Shanghai, Sheshan International Golf Club |
| Tournaments in China | WGC-HSBC Champions, TCL Classic, Blue Bay LPGA, Volvo China Open, BMW Asian Open |
| Top Chinese golfers | Zhang Lianwei, Liang Wenchong, Shanshan Feng, Wu Ashun, Guan Tianlang |
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What You'll Learn
Chuiwan: a Chinese game with similarities to golf, played as early as 1000 AD
Chuiwan, a game with similarities to golf, was played in China as early as 1000 AD. The earliest known evidence of chuiwan is a mural from approximately 950 AD, currently housed in the Guangsheng Temple in Shanxi, China. This mural depicts several men playing a game using clubs to drive balls into a goal.
Chuiwan is a medieval Chinese ball game that is remarkably similar to modern golf. Players use a restricted number of clubs (up to 10 in chuiwan, 14 in golf) and balls of different sizes made of wood. The holes are spread out on terrains of varying difficulty and marked by coloured flags. There is also strict etiquette and rules regarding player honesty, with penalties for cheating. The tee-off areas are called ji, which translates to "base" in Chinese.
The popularity of chuiwan peaked during the Song dynasty, when Emperor Huizong was a dedicated player. It remained a favourite sport during the Yuan and Ming dynasties. The last references to chuiwan are from the 15th century AD, suggesting the sport fell out of practice during this period or shortly after.
Some theories suggest that chuiwan may have contributed to the development of golf. It is possible that the game travelled along the Silk Road and was brought to Europe after initial contact with China in the 13th century. The primary elements of the game have remained the same over the centuries, with players using clubs to drive balls into a designated zone, usually a small hole in the ground.
Over time, the clubs used in chuiwan evolved from a "ladle" head shape to a flatter head, increasing accuracy and suitability for longer distances. The development of the sport led to a larger-scale game with more similarities to modern golf.
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Golf banned by the Chinese Communist Party until the 1980s
Golf was banned in China by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from 1949 until the mid-1980s. Chairman Mao Zedong denounced the sport as a "game for millionaires", and it was prohibited as being too bourgeois.
During the ban, golf was associated with corruption and shady business deals. In the early 2000s, golf's popularity soared in China, embraced even by the country's highest leaders. However, in 2015, the CCP banned its members from playing golf as part of President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drive. This ban was revoked in 2016, but CCP members are still forbidden from accepting golf club memberships and other golf-related perks as gifts.
Golf in China is considered a growing industry, with numerous golf courses being established, especially in the province of Hainan. In 2011, there were around 358,000 core players in China, with a growth rate of 7.5%. By 2020, this number was projected to reach about 20 million. While golf is considered prohibitively expensive for the general public, it is seen as the top recreational sport for businesspeople and officials.
The first golf course constructed in China, Chung Shan Hot Springs in Zhongshan, opened in 1984. It was designed by Arnold Palmer. Since then, the number of golf courses in China has rapidly increased, with about 500 courses in the country today. The first international tournament held in China was the 1995 World Cup at Mission Hills in Guangdong province.
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Golf's explosive growth in China, attracting big-name designers
Golf has experienced explosive growth in China, with the number of courses increasing rapidly since the sport was introduced to the country in the 1980s. In 1983, there were no golf courses in China, but by 2020, there were around 310, with hundreds more in development. This growth has attracted big-name designers such as Trent Jones Jr., Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, and Ian Woosnam, who have all created signature courses in the country.
The first golf course in China, Chung Shan Hot Springs in Zhongshan, was designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 1984. Since then, the number of courses has grown exponentially, with a particular boom occurring in the early 2000s when golf's popularity soared in China. This popularity was reflected in the emergence of Chinese golfers on the world stage, such as Liang Wenchong, who became one of the top Chinese golfers and the first to win a top pro event, and Shanshan Feng, who became the first Chinese golfer to win a major championship.
The growth of golf in China has been driven by several factors. One factor is the desire of Chinese developers to create extravagant and unique golf courses to attract attention and foreign investment. Another factor is the sport's appeal to businesspeople and officials, who view it as a top recreational activity. Golf has also become a symbol of economic growth and viability for Chinese towns, contributing to the country's rapid economic rise.
Mission Hills, a golf resort and private club, is a notable example of the growth and popularity of golf in China. With 12 courses and 4,000 caddies, it is the largest golf club in the world. Other top courses in China include the Sand River Golf Club, Shenzhen Golf Club, and Topwin Golf and Country Club, which offer exclusive experiences and immaculate course conditions.
Despite the explosive growth of golf in China, the sport has also faced challenges. Golf was banned by the Chinese Communist Party until the mid-1980s for being too bourgeois, and in 2004, a ban was imposed to limit the number of golf courses due to environmental impact concerns. Additionally, golf is considered prohibitively expensive for the general public in China, contributing to a widening wealth gap. However, the sport continues to attract overseas golfers and foreign investment, with major tournaments such as the Volvo China Open and the BMW Asian Open being held in the country.
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Golf as a sport for the super-elite in China
Golf has had a tumultuous history in China, going from being banned by the Communist Party as a "sport for millionaires" to becoming a popular pastime for the wealthy elite. Chairman Mao denounced the sport as bourgeois, and any golf courses that existed were turned into public spaces. However, in the early 1980s, the first golf course opened in Guangdong, signalling a shift in attitude.
Despite this, golf has struggled to shake its association with the super-elite in China. In the early 2000s, the sport experienced a boom in popularity, with top Chinese leaders embracing it. However, it was still seen as a symbol of wealth and privilege, and efforts to promote it to the masses were largely unsuccessful. The sport attracted foreign investment and overseas golfers, but for the general Chinese public, it remained prohibitively expensive.
The exclusive nature of golf in China is evident in the existence of invite-only golf clubs, such as the Pine Valley Golf Club in Beijing, which offers a luxurious and private experience to its members. The sport is also closely linked to business and investment, with many golfers travelling to China for work taking advantage of the country's golf courses. These courses are often built as part of luxury housing developments, attracting rich investors and boosting land values.
The caddies at these golf courses are also worth noting, as they provide a unique experience for golfers. They are typically female, dressed head-to-toe in heavy-duty sun protection gear, and are known for their ability to navigate the greens and locate wayward balls.
While golf in China has faced suppression and uncertainty, it has also produced some notable professional golfers. These include former workers and farmers, like Huang Wenyi, who discovered the sport and went on to become a ranked player. Golf courses in China continue to attract overseas golfers with their relatively inexpensive fees and scenic locations, such as the cliffside Shanqin Bay course on Hainan Island.
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Chinese golfers making their mark internationally
Golf in China has experienced a tumultuous history, from its early days as a stick-and-ball game called 'chuiwan' in the Song Dynasty (1000 AD) to its more recent emergence as a burgeoning industry. After being banned by the Chinese Communist Party in the 1980s for being too 'bourgeois', the sport finally made its comeback, with the first golf course opening in 1984. This course, the Chung Shan Hot Springs in Zhongshan, set the ball rolling for golf in China, and the country hasn't looked back since.
Despite golf's relatively late start in China compared to other countries, Chinese golfers have quickly risen to prominence on the international stage. One of the pioneers of Chinese golf is Zhang Lianwei, who is recognised as one of the country's most successful golfers. Following in his footsteps, a new generation of talented golfers is making waves worldwide.
Li Haotong is a force to be reckoned with on the European Tour, having won four times and qualified for the U.S. Open. His victory at the 2022 BMW International Open, after a challenging period in his career, showcased his resilience and raw talent. Another rising star is Ding Wenyi, who etched his name into the history books with his victory at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. This win signified a shift in Asian golf, highlighting the emergence of talented young golfers from the region.
Other notable Chinese golfers include Guan Tianlang, who won the 2012 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at just 14 years old, and Liang Wenchong, who shot a record-breaking 64 in the 2010 PGA Championship. Wu Ashun has also made his mark on the European Tour with three victories and represented China at the 2016 Olympic Games.
The increasing popularity of golf in China, combined with the emergence of talented golfers, has transformed the country into an emerging golf powerhouse. With their impressive performances, these golfers are not just making their mark internationally but also inspiring the next generation of Chinese golfers, shaping the future of the sport in their country.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf's popularity in China soared in the early 2000s, with the country's highest leaders embracing the sport.
The first golf course in China was constructed in 1984. It was the Chung Shan Hot Springs in Zhongshan, based on a design by Arnold Palmer.
Chuiwan, a game with similarities to golf, was played in China as early as 1000 AD. In the Chinese version of the game, players used up to ten different clubs to hit differently-sized wooden balls. Golf was banned in China until the mid-1980s, when the first golf course was constructed.
Notable golf courses in China include the Shenzhen Golf Club, Mission Hills Golf Club, Agile Binhai Golf Club Shanghai, and Lake Malaren Golf Club Shanghai. Tournaments held in China include the WGC-HSBC Champions, Volvo China Open, and BMW Asian Open.
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