The PGA is expanding its global profile with the opening of its first branded golf Academy in China.
The PGA Golf Academy at Bayhood No. 9 Golf Club marks the latest in a growing list of PGA branded facilities. Nat Sylvester reports.
As golf’s popularity continues to soar in China, the PGA is playing an increasingly key role following the opening of its first branded Academy in the Chinese capital Beijing.
The world’s fastest growing economy might have been slow to discover the Royal and Ancient game but it’s made up for it in recent years with a spate of new and often luxurious course developments.
Beijing’s spectacular Bayhood No 9 Golf Club and high tech Academy reflects the Far East’s love affair with the game and is billed as the capital’s first life-style (leisure resort) entertainment complex. Catering to every golfer’s whim it includes a two-tier driving range, custom-fit studios and extensive practice facilities featuring a short game area complete with a par 3 course and two putting greens.
The Academy is a focal point for the club and will help bring the game to thousands of newcomers including many juniors.
PGA Golf Club Management has been awarded the contract to manage the Academy which significantly will also create a number of coaching posts for PGA members.
Bayhood No.9 is situated along the Beihu Canal 30 minutes from Beijing’s central business district. The Beihu district has a rich history dating back 600 years to the Ming and Qing Dynasties but Bayhood is set to create a golfing dynasty for the future, built around Nelson Haworth’s 18-hole designed championship course which stretches some 7,260 yards.
The driving range features double-layer fan-shaped bays with 23 private rooms on the second floors with two bays per room plus plasma TV, internet, shower room and dining facilities. Private villas around the course and a boutique hotel will follow by 2008.
Robert Maxfield, PGA Director of Property and Development, believes the Academy can put the PGA at the forefront of golf in China. “Bayhood No. 9 is an exciting development that builds on the PGA’s reputation for first class branded facilities but also through the Academy sees it play an important role in growing the game in China,” he said.
“The benefits of such a project to the PGA are two-fold. Firstly it raises the PGA brand in the Far East and China particularly and secondly, and just as importantly, it creates exciting coaching and teaching opportunities for our members overseas. We are also working to develop additional facilities at Bayhood No. 9 including swing studios and custom-fit suites and it will be a world class Academy worthy of the PGA brand.
”There is a huge boom in golf in China and the Far East and through such PGA branded projects we’re ensuring the PGA brand is at the forefront of the game,” he added. “We are also involved in discussion with Chinese Golf Association to be a part of the development of the game.”
Neil Coulson, Operations Manager at PGA Golf Management, added: “It is a privilege for PGA Golf Management to be given the opportunity to work with Bayhood No.9 in creating and managing the first PGA Golf Academy in China. The quality and range of the Academy facilities being developed, the technology that will be available and vitally the PGA Instructors and coaching methods will ensure the PGA Golf Academy at Bayhood No.9 will be at the forefront of coaching in China.”
Golf’s popularity and growth in China was reflected this year by the fact that it hosted six European Tour events – more than any other country.
And while the likes of Tiger and Monty are undoubtedly star attractions, it’s PGA Professionals who are leading the way as coaches, directors of golf and other managerial roles in the many courses sprouting up across the country. To date, more than 20 PGA pros are employed in China and nearby Hong Kong, working at an impressive array of clubs including Harbour Plaza, Mission Hills, Shenzhen, Macau G&CC and Yalong Bay.
Richard Ivens is the Director of Golf at Harbour Plaza in southern China and has spent 10 years in the Far East. He confirms that China is not only a growing hotspot for the game but also offers an exciting opportunity for both the PGA and its members. “I went through PGA training and have spent years working with PGA pros and know their skill and expertise,” he said. “There’s a lot we have to offer, both in teaching their players and passing on our skills to their coaches, so it’s wonderful news the PGA is having a branded Academy in Beijing and it would be great to see branded academies in all China’s big cities.
“The first thing to say for golf pros and golfers alike in the UK, is that golf courses in China are of an exceptionally high standard and also come with wonderful clubhouses and excellent facilities. But China isn’t just about golf – it’s got a rich history with some great attractions and it’s something any golf pro should experience if they can.”
PGA pros interested in opportunities at Bayhood No.9 should contact Neil Coulson at PGAGM on 01764 664445
Link to Article on pga.info
