A record prize fund of US$2.2 million will be on offer at this year’s Volvo China Open, which will be played for the first time at the Beijing CBD International Golf Club from April 17-20.
The decision to stage the 2008 edition of the tournament in the Chinese capital was taken in order to mark the city’s hosting of the Olympic Games in August and the field will compete for an increase of US$200,000 from the prize fund on offer at Shanghai Silport Golf Club last year, when Austria’s Markus Brier triumphed.
Klas Magnusson, Acting Head of Volvo Event Management, said: “We are delighted to announce a record prize fund for the 2008 Volvo China Open.
“Thirteen years ago, Volvo made a commitment to golf in China by playing a major role in the establishment of the Open Championship of China, and we are delighted this event has become a world class extravaganza the whole of China can be proud of.
“Volvo is truly excited to remain as a major partner of the China Golf Association, and we share in its vision to grow the game of golf in this great nation through the successful staging of the Volvo China Open. We have an agreement with the CGA to sponsor the Championship until 2015, and we will endeavour to grow its prestige and heritage.
“This year is a time for celebration in Beijing. It’s one of the world’s great cities. The Beijing CBD International Golf Club is a lovely but challenging golf course, and we want the people of Beijing to come and see one example of the beauty of their city whilst it is staging the Volvo China Open.”
The Beijing CBD International Golf Club is located within the Central Business District of the Chinese capital, and the 7,300 yard, par 72 layout was designed by American golf architect Brit Stenson.
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “We are delighted the prize fund for the 2008 Volvo China Open has increased to US$2.2 million, with a first prize of US$366,660. The increase confirms the growth of a tournament which was carefully nurtured for more than a decade by Mel Pyatt, until his recent retirement as President and CEO of Volvo Event Management.
“This will be the fifth Volvo China Open with which we are involved and it is highly appropriate that, in Olympic year, the event should return to the city of Beijing to celebrate The 29th Olympiad.”
