European and Asian Tours to sanction 25th Volvo China Open

The 25^th anniversary edition of the RMB 20 million Volvo China Open will once again be tri-sanctioned by the China Golf Association and the European and Asian Tours when the tournament is staged at The Genzon Golf Club in Shenzhen from May 2-5.

The 2019 event will be the 16^th staging since the Volvo China Open became a European Tour event in 2004 and the second in succession as a tri-sanctioned tournament.

Sven De Smet, Chairman of Volvo China Open Board said he was pleased to see the event maintain its tri-sanctioned status. “As the first global brand to sponsor international professional golf in mainland China, Volvo has always been committed to promoting the game of golf in both China and Asia,” he said.

“After 24 years of development, the Volvo China Open has become well- established as the jewel in the crown of Chinese golf as well as an important component of Volvo’s brand promotion strategy in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.

“Our long-term direction is to constantly improve the level and quality of the event. Having the Volvo China Open tri-sanctioned by the China Golf Association and the European and Asian Tours will again maintain the high level of fields and world ranking points.

“In addition, the live TV broadcast will cover more regions via the European Tour and Asian Tour networks and reach millions of computers, tablets and smart phones through more internet platforms, which further expands the influence of the event and the brand of Volvo. This is undoubtedly a win-win co-operation.”

With its return to the Asian Tour in 2018, the Volvo China Open added even more power to the tour with the likes of Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Shubhankar Sharma playing in China’s Open Golf Championship. And Zhang Xiao Ning, President of China Golf Association is looking forward to another memorable chapter in the flagship event.

"The Volvo China Open has grown into an important international golf event not only in Asia but also globally, which has effectively promoted the popularity of golf in China as well as highlighted the progress of local professionals,” he said. “The 25th anniversary has significant meaning and I expect the Chinese players to perform at their best and strive to provide the fifth home-grown champion in the history of China’s National Open Golf Championship.”

With a quarter of a century behind it, the Volvo China Open is Volvo’s longest-running current golf sponsorship and European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley appreciates the Swedish brand’s involvement with the professional game.

"Volvo has an illustrious history with the European Tour and we are proud that the Volvo China Open continues to honour that tradition,” said Pelley. “This year’s edition will mark the 88th occasion that Volvo have been a title sponsor of a tournament on our International Schedule and we thank them, not only for their continued commitment to our game, but also their unwavering support of the European Tour.

“We are also proud of our strong relationships with the Asian Tour and the China Golf Association and this tournament provides a perfect example of the significance and importance of our global alliances.”

Speaking on behalf of the Asian Tour, Acting Chief Executive Cho Minn Thant added: “We are delighted that the Volvo China Open will be part of the Asian Tour for the second year in a row. An event such as this in China makes our international schedule truly complete and our thanks go to the China Golf Association and Volvo for their support of the Asian Tour.

“Our best players are looking forward to competing against top-class European Tour and Chinese players in Shenzhen and hope they will be able to emulate the victory of predecessors such as Jeev Milkha Singh and leave their name on the trophy at one of Asia’s top tournaments.”