GUANGZHOU, China, July 5, 2013 (HK Golfer News Wire) - Following an extensive and highly competitive host venue application process, the People’s Republic of China, the over one hundred million population Guangdong Province, the ultra-modern Guangzhou Municipality and the magnificent Dragon Lake Golf Club were awarded the rights to host the next two editions of the Royal Trophy, the world’s premier continental sporting event.
"Promoting the sport of golf to the public at-large is a fundamental purpose of the Royal Trophy. Since the very early stages of this great competition, we have looked forward to the moment when it would be hosted in the People’s Republic of China and we are very pleased that this historic time has now arrived. The hosting of the Royal Trophy in China marks a very important development for golf in China, Asia and for the Royal Trophy," stated Ivan Ballesteros, Co-Managing Director of the Royal Trophy.
"The Royal Trophy Players’ Committee is looking forward to a magnificent competition between Europe and Asia and a great showcase of continental team match-play golf," stated Royal Trophy Players’ Committee Member and six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo.
Under the captaincy of the late legendary Seve Ballesteros, Europe prevailed in the inaugural two editions of the Royal Trophy. Asia was victorious in the competition’s third edition but the Europeans, led by the great Scot Colin Montgomerie, secured consecutive wins in the fourth and fifth series of matches. But it was the sixth and latest edition of the tournament which would conclude in an 8-8 tie, with a play-off being required. The Asian continent, represented by Asia’s first Major winner Y.E. Yang and K. T. Kim would prevail, with the Koreans defeating European Ryder Cup heroes Francesco Molinari and Nicolas Colsaerts in one of the most intense and exciting golf moments of 2012.
Located in close proximity to China’s Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, Guangdong Province is China’s most populous, features the nation’s largest GDP and is the home to many highly advanced cities including Guangzhou and the special economic regions of Shenzhen, Shantou and Zhuhai.
The seventh edition of the Royal Trophy will be played in its traditional format, featuring a series of sixteen foursomes, four-ball and singles matches being contested over a period of three days. In the event of a tie, a four-ball 18th hole play-off will be undertaken.
"I have had great success and memorable times at the Dragon Lake Golf Club, including winning a China Tour event. The Asian Games Course is truly beautiful but also very tough, features a unique design and presents a good balance of challenges. It has given me great joy to play and conquer this golf course. I believe Dragon Lake Golf Club will host the Royal Trophy very successfully and that the Royal Trophy being held in China will provide a great boost for the further development of golf in our nation”, said Zhang Lian-wei, a top Chinese golfer and member of the Asian Team at the inaugural edition of the Royal Trophy.
"I have had an unforgettable experience in representing Asia in previous editions of the Royal Trophy. Wearing the Asian uniform, partnering with our teammates, competing under our captain and representing the Asian people are very special. I sincerely hope to be a member of the Asian Team for this historic first edition of the Royal Trophy to be played in China," said Liang Wen-chong, China’s highest ranked golfer.
"The latest edition of the Royal Trophy was outstanding. It was such a close contest; we were down throughout the competition and were only able to make a comeback at the very late stages of the final day of singles. To secure the victory for Asia was very rewarding and a very emotional moment for all of us members of the Asian Team," said Wu Ashun, a member of the victorious Asian Team at the sixth edition of the Royal Trophy.
The Dragon Lake International Village, a national tourist attraction, is designed and built in the style of a European town and boasts a superior ecological environment. The nature-inspired village is back-dropped by a lush mountain range stretching tens of kilometers and is surrounded by the beautiful Dragon Lake.
"Our team at Dragon Lake Golf Club has extensive experience in hosting major golf events including the golf competition of the 16th Asian Games. We are delighted to host the first edition of the Royal Trophy to be played in China and will utilize our extensive portfolio of assets in order to deliver the most successful championship. Our top-quality golf course will be set in excellent condition, our European-style Princess Hotel will offer the utmost hospitality and our newly built golf-themed King’s Hotel will provide the guests with an unforgettable experience of golf culture and history. In addition to being positioned as a prestigious golf club, we also would like to contribute to the growth of golf in China, to create opportunities for the game to be introduced to a greater percentage of the Chinese population; and hosting the Royal Trophy fits perfectly with this set of objectives,” stated Feng Di, Chairman of Dragon Lake Golf Club.
"The hosting of the next two editions of the Royal Trophy at Dragon Lake Golf Club promises to develop a very special legacy and heritage for golf in China, as the sport’s single continental team event. We are looking forward to a fantastic series of matches,” stated Lincoln Venancio, Co-Managing Director of the Royal Trophy.
