The European Challenge Tour visits the idyllic island of Hainan for the beginning of the two-week Chinese Swing, starting with the Hainan Open, and we’ve looked at five things to keep an eye out for.
European Tour pedigree
Each winner of the event has graduated onto the European Tour at the end of the respective seasons. Germany’s Alex Knappe triumphed in the first staging of the event in 2016, which was reduced to 36 holes due to inclement weather. The German posted a closing 67 on Sunday to clinch his second Challenge Tour title and in doing so secured his spot on the European Tour. Last year, the weather allowed the tournament to go the distance and Erik van Rooyen took full advantage to win his maiden Challenge Tour event. The South African was tenth in the Rankings prior to the tournament but after scooping €47,539 in Hainan, he cemented a spot in the top 15 and subsequently finished the season in third place.
Is this Hawaii?
Hainan is the smallest and southernmost province of the People’s Republic of China. There are ten major cities and ten counties in Hainan; Haikou is the capital and Sanya is a well-known tourist destination. Sanya Luhuitou Golf Club is located in Sanya, on the southern coast of the island with stunning views of the South China Sea. Mooted as the Hawaii of China, Sanya welcomes millions of tourists each year thanks to its beautiful beaches, rich history and beautiful mountains.
The course
Sanya Luhuitou Golf Club is a par 72 parkland course with breath-taking coastal views. Designed by respected course specialist Nelson Haworth, Sanya Luhuitou features meandering streams, tricky bunkers and many scenic lakes. The longest par four is the ninth, measuring 487 yards, and is protected by cleverly positioned bunkers to the front of the green, while strong overhead wind from the open sea makes it a difficult approach. The final hole is a 570-yard par five with 11 bunkers to avoid. The longer hitters are more likely to enjoy success, with those laying up for a short pitch facing a challenge to find the narrow fairway on the approach to the green.
Eyes on the prize
The leading 53 available players on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah will tee it up at the Hainan Open, in addition to 60 players determined by the Chinese Golf Association. The winner of this week’s Monaghan Irish Challenge will be handed a spot, if not already exempt, plus several invitations. The Hainan Open marks the beginning of an important two weeks for Challenge Tour Members, with a huge opportunity to shoot up the Road to Ras Al Khaimah Rankings there for the taking. With two large prize funds up for grabs in China, a good two-week stint could well see any participating player make a late charge for the top 15 ahead of the Grand Final.
European Tour Fans Club
Ahead of the inaugural Hainan Open in 2016, the Hainan branch of the European Tour Fans Club was officially launched. The innovative programme encourages golf fans from all over the country to come together and play, watch and enjoy the European Tour. Golf is a growing sport in China and the European Tour is at the forefront of that growth. The Challenge Tour has two tournaments in addition to the Hainan Open; the Belt & Road Colorful Yunnan Open and the Foshan Open, while the European Tour has a further three events – UBS Hong Kong Open, Volvo China Open and the WGC – HSBC Champions.
