By Malkeet Kaur
During the inaugural Singapore Ladies Masters, the fifth leg of the China LPGA 2023 season, ParGolf had the opportunity to chat with the Chief Executive Officer of the China LPGA Tour, Li Hong. She talked about her aspirations and the future growth of the tour. Together with the founder and Chairman of the China LPGA, TK Pen, who is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Orient Golf International Ltd, they intend to take the China LPGA Tour to great heights. TK Pen has played a significant role in promoting and developing women’s golf in China. He has been instrumental in providing opportunities for Chinese female golfers to compete at a professional level and gain exposure on the international stage.
Li Hong
What were the initial aspirations for the tour when it was first established?
The tour was established in 2009 with the primary goal of providing more opportunities for Chinese golfers to compete on a global scale. The founder, TK Pen, envisioned a platform that would allow more Chinese players to venture outside of China and compete against the best in the world.
The decision to establish the tour was also influenced by the announcement in 2008 that golf would be included as an Olympic sport. This further fuelled our aspirations, as we aimed to have more Chinese female golfers represent the country in the Olympics. The hope was that a Chinese golfer would one day become a world number one or win a major championship.
Shanshan Feng’s achievements eventually realised those dreams and aspirations. In 2016, Shanshan won the bronze medal in the Olympics, and she held the No. 1 ranking for 23 weeks from November 13, 2017, to April 22, 2018.
In your opinion, how has the tour grown since its establishment? Are you satisfied with its level of exposure and sponsorship, or do you wish for more?
When we started the tour, we had only 30 lady professionals in China. However, over the years, we have witnessed significant growth. We currently have over 200 registered members on the tour, showcasing the increasing interest and participation of female golfers in China. We have also established the CLPGA Q, a secondary tour boasting over 1000 registered members in China. This growth has been promising and inspiring for us as we continue to support and nurture Chinese female golfers.
In terms of exposure, the success of Chinese players on the international stage has not only attracted coverage from traditional sports media but has also garnered attention from the Chinese government. The government’s interest and support are crucial to us. Notably, media outlets such as China Daily, Global Times, CCTV, and Xinhua News Agency, which are government-owned media, closely follow and report on CLPGA activities. This highlights the significance of government involvement in promoting our tour’s exposure.
While we are pleased with the progress and attention the tour has received, we are always open to further opportunities for growth, increased exposure, and sponsorship. We strive to continue elevating the profile of the CLPGA and creating more avenues for Chinese female golfers to shine on both national and international stages.
With regards to sponsorship marketing in China, especially in professional golf, it is still an area that is being explored. There is growing interest from international brands to enter the Chinese market and engage in sponsorships, as well as Chinese companies seeking opportunities outside of China. The CLPGA aims to serve as a bridge in facilitating international communication and collaboration between China and the rest of the world, particularly in golf.
In essence, the CLPGA acts as a bridge that allows international sponsorships to enter China while providing opportunities for local sponsorships to gain global recognition.
For example, in events like the one taking place this week in Singapore, the CLPGA brings Chinese golfers to showcase the beauty of golf in China and also features international players like Criti Rora, who represents China, thereby enhancing the brand and international exposure.
Regarding the venue for this week’s event at Laguna Golf Course in Singapore, it is an opportunity to introduce and highlight the beauty of the course to the Chinese audience, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for it.
I understand that the government had previously closed several golf courses in China. Are they more accepting of golf now?
From my perspective, the government’s concerns regarding golf courses are understandable. Golf courses require significant land resources and can present complex challenges. However, when it comes to the CLPGA Tour, it focuses on professional events and competitive golf. In terms of sponsorship, some sponsors and the government are interested in supporting Chinese athletes, including female golfers. This aligns with the government’s goal of promoting Chinese athletes and increasing their presence on the global stage.
Is the tour considered a springboard for players aiming for the world stage?
Rather than a springboard, the CLPGA Tour is seen as a platform for aspiring players. Unlike the LPGA Tour, players can turn professional and participate in the CLPGA Tour once they reach the age of 16. This gives them a unique opportunity to compete, learn, and gain experience in a professional atmosphere. As they succeed and mature on the CLPGA Tour, they may have the chance to pursue opportunities in other tournaments, like Zeng Li Qi, a CLPGA winner who achieved remarkable success at just 17 years old by winning four professional events in China.
Another talent is Kai Li Xiao, who is only 14 years old and recently qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open. Despite being an amateur player, she has actively participated in CLPGA Tour events and the CLPGA Q secondary tour. Her mother expressed gratitude acknowledging the platform provided by the CLPGA and how it has contributed to her daughter’s dream of competing at such a young age in a major tournament. The CLPGA Tour is a vital platform for players to gain valuable experience, develop their skills, and potentially pave their way towards the world stage of professional golf.
Several players from the CLPGA Tour, such as Shanshan Feng, Lin Xi Yu, Zhang Weiwei, and, recently, Yin Ruoning, have significantly impacted the world stage. What role has the tour played in their success?
The CLPGA Tour can be likened to a school where players gain confidence and nurture their dreams. These players often join the tour at a young age, typically around 15 or 16. During this crucial period, they learn about proper tournament play, international golf rules and acquire invaluable experience within this “school” environment. They gradually build their dreams step by step through their journey on the tour.
Furthermore, the CLPGA Q, a 54-hole event, provides a distinct pathway for amateurs and offers world ranking points to them on the WAGR. On the CLPGA Tour, world ranking points are also awarded to professionals. Additionally, the tour places great emphasis on player training. Drawing inspiration from the women’s tours in Japan and Korea, the CLPGA implements comprehensive training programs for players who turn professional after the Q school. These programs focus on various aspects, including the responsibilities of being a professional player, managing sponsorships, handling media and spectators, as well as etiquette and presentation in public settings. The aim is to develop well-rounded players who not only showcase their golfing abilities but also embody the beauty of the sport and display gratitude towards spectators and officials.
Overall, the CLPGA Tour has provided a nurturing environment for these players, equipping them with essential skills, knowledge, and confidence, thus playing a pivotal role in their success as they make waves on the world stage.
What measures is the China LPGA taking further to strengthen the foundation of women’s golf in China?
The China LPGA has implemented two significant steps to bolster the foundation of women’s golf in China. The first step is the CLPGA Q, which serves as a bridge between juniors and amateurs, providing them with opportunities to play and experience professional events. This enables aspiring players to understand first-hand what it’s like to participate in proper international golf tournaments.
The second step is the CLPGA Tour, which holds the status of being a member of the world ranking system. This means that players who compete in CLPGA events can earn world-ranking points. The CLPGA Tour employs rules officials recognised by the R&A. These officials possess extensive experience and have officiated at major events across the globe. Their expertise ensures that players competing on the CLPGA Tour can immerse themselves in an atmosphere akin to international tournaments.
It is noteworthy that while the rules officials are from China, they have received recognition from the R&A and have been invited to officiate at major events worldwide. This recognition reflects their experience and competence in applying the rules of golf in a professional manner.
By providing a clear pathway for juniors and amateurs through the CLPGA Q and offering a professional tour that aligns with international standards and regulations, the CLPGA is actively strengthening the foundation of women’s golf in China. These measures contribute to the overall development and growth of the sport, providing aspiring players with invaluable experiences and opportunities to compete on a global scale.
TK Pen (L) – the founder and Chairman of the China LPGA, and also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Orient Golf International Ltd with Li Hong (R) at the 2023 Singapore Ladies Masters at Laguna National
Would it include promoting grassroots development programs, establishing state-of-the-art training facilities, golf in schools, golf academies, etc., and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for young talent?
The China LPGA has taken significant steps to promote the development of young talent and create a vibrant ecosystem for golf in China. This includes establishing state-of-the-art training facilities in North (Tianjin) and South China (Sanya). The CLPGA collaborates with top Chinese golf courses in the Shenzhou Peninsula for their Q schools and player training programs. These training opportunities are specifically tailored for registered CLPGA players and offer special arrangements for winter and summer training sessions.
Notably, the founder and Chairman of the China LPGA, TK Pen, is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Orient Golf International Ltd, which operates several golf courses across China. All these golf courses host CLPGA Tour events and provide special rates and support for junior players and women professionals. TK Pen’s involvement has created a solid foundation and support system within his golf course chain, facilitating the growth and development of the CLPGA.
As I mentioned before, there were only 30 players in China initially, and not many golf courses were hosting CLPGA events. However, TK Pen’s golf courses took the lead, and as more golf courses across China recognised the value of the CLPGA, they joined the chain and expanded its reach. This collaborative effort has transformed the landscape, providing more opportunities for aspiring players and contributing to the overall development of golf in China.
Through these initiatives, including grassroots development programs, training facilities, and partnerships with golf courses, the CLPGA is fostering a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures young talent and propels the growth of golf in China.
Has the tour forged strategic partnerships with renowned golf tours around the world?
The CLPGA has a history of collaborating with international golf tours and events, demonstrating its commitment to fostering relationships with renowned tours worldwide. In 2006, before establishing the CLPGA, we worked with the KLPGA to co-sanction the China Open.
We also established partnerships with prominent tours, such as the Ladies European Tour (LET). This collaboration has involved bringing European tour staff members to China for events held in Sanya.
In the past, the top three players in the CLPGA Order of Merit had the opportunity to participate in the US Women’s Open directly. However, this opportunity has been discontinued due to changes in the qualification rules in recent years. Nevertheless, the past collaboration with the USGA demonstrates the CLPGA’s efforts to provide valuable opportunities for its players on the global stage.
How do you envision CLPGA Tour in the future?
I see great potential for expansion and increased international presence. I hope that in the future, the tour will have more opportunities to host events outside of China, particularly in nearby countries.
I hope for a golf swing with stops in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Australia. I would like to expand the reach of the CLPGA Tour to these countries not only to provide more playing opportunities for golfers and contribute to the overall growth and recognition of Chinese golf.
The CLPGA Tour calendar currently consists of 15 events, excluding the Buick LPGA Shanghai, with a total prize fund of 8.32 million RMB. The CLPGA Q provides a unique format with over 38 events open to lady professionals and young female and male amateurs. Amateurs who win these events receive prize money of US$1,000 to maintain their amateur status. This format serves as a pathway for young players to compete and gain a preview of a professional golfer’s life.
The CLPGA Q tournaments are 54-hole events, with 36 holes played on the first day and 18 on the second and third day. This format aims to cultivate mental strength in the players. American college scouts closely follow these events, seeking top players to recruit for college golf programs. The popularity of these tournaments is also reflected in the large number of junior tournaments held in China, with over 1,100 tournaments and more than 100,000 juniors participating regularly. Scholarships are available for players.
Approximately 200 colleges in the US have recruited players from China, and the top players in the CLPGA Tour have gained admission to US colleges. One unique aspect of the CLPGA is that players can turn professional at 16 while still attending university, allowing them to pursue their golfing career alongside their education.
Do you play golf?
I started playing golf in 1994 and was part of the first generation of Chinese golfers when the sport established itself in China. However, due to my professional commitments, I cannot play consistently. I have played on approximately 200 golf courses worldwide and had a handicap of 12, which has now increased to 25 due to my lack of playing time.
