The Volvo China Open will return to The European Tour International Schedule for the seventh consecutive year when Suzhou Jinji Lake Golf Club, in Suzhou, hosts the US$2.5million event from April 15-18, 2010.
It is the first time The European Tour has visited Suzhou Jinji Lake Golf Club, which is approximately 90 minutes from the city of Shanghai.
The tournament will be played over nine holes of Suzhou Jinji Lake’s Wetlands course and nine holes of its Links Course, which was designed by nine time Major Championship winner Gary Player.
Australian Scott Strange’s one stroke victory at Beijing CBD International Golf Club last year saw him become the sixth different winner of the Volvo China Open in six years, while this year’s event is the 69th European Tour event that title sponsor Volvo has attached its name to, strengthening a relationship that has lasted three decades.
Volvo’s extensive European Tour portfolio began in 1987 with the Volvo Belgian Open and included 21 years sponsoring the Volvo Masters, from 1988 to 2008, in addition to the flagship PGA Championship from 1988 to 2004. Aside to the Volvo China Open, the leading car manufacturer also sponsors the Volvo World Match Play Championship.
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “We are delighted that the Volvo China Open will be part of The 2010 European Tour International Schedule and we look forward to working with Volvo again, continuing a relationship that is now in its 24th year.”
Per Ericsson, President of Volvo Event Management, added: “Together with the China Golf Association, we have worked hard over the past seven years to make the Volvo China Open an important part of The European Tour International Schedule and we anticipate another superb event when we visit Jinji Lake Golf Club for the first time.”
The Volvo China Open is part of a European Tour double-header in Asia in April, with the Ballantine’s Championship at Pinx Golf Club, on Jeju Island, South Korea, taking place the following week; April 22-25.
