The European Challenge Tour returns to China for the first time since 2019 with back-to-back events, including the Foshan Open which will take place on October 20-23, giving players a final chance to earn their spot in the season-ending Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A.
The Foshan Open has provided some memorable Challenge Tour moments throughout the years…
The home favourite
History was made at the 2019 Foshan Open as Bai Zheng-kai became the first Chinese player to win on the Challenge Tour after he secured victory at Foshan Golf Club.
Bai finished on 23 under par, which included a course record bogey-free second round of 63, as he finished four strokes clear of Dou Zecheng who finished second on 19 under par and five shots clear of Scotland’s Calum Hill.
Perez play-off delight
Victor Perez emphatically sealed his top tier playing privileges for 2019 with a play-off win over Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre at the Foshan Open. Perez was one behind MacIntyre before he superbly birdied the last to take the tournament to extra holes. The Frenchman held his nerve as they replayed the 18th to make another birdie and claim victory in China.
Perez and MacIntyre both graduated from the Challenge Tour that year and have since secured one title each on the DP World Tour.
Armitage seals first win
Marcus Armitage claimed his first European Challenge Tour title in style with a five under par round of 67 to win the 2016 Foshan Open.
The Englishman finished 11th in the Rankings that year to earn graduation to the DP World Tour and has since picked up his first victory on the top tier at the Porsche European Open.
Nerveless Nacho holes dramatic putt
Nacho Elvira earnt his first professional win at the 2013 Foshan Open courtesy of a nerveless putt from 12 feet.
The victory elevated Elvira inside the top 15 on the Rankings and he earnt promotion from the Challenge Tour that year alongside the likes of Brooks Koepka and Tyrrell Hatton.
