Top Chinese golf official predicts “explosive growth” 03/03/2010
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The China Golf Association (CGA) has insisted that everything is in place to grow the sport in the country despite a development ban on new courses and the high cost of green fees.
China has about 500 golf courses but a six-year-old government ban on new development has slowed growth.
The United States, by contrast, has about 18,000 courses, while Europe has an estimated 6,000.
But CGA vice-president Wang Liwei told Reuters: "The existing 500 courses are enough for the basic development of golf.
"No matter how many courses there are – 500, 1,000 or 10,000 – it is a sport of players. We are also taking alternate measures, such as building driving ranges in public green spaces."
Last year's decision to add golf to the Olympics will be a key factor in the growth of the game, Wang believes.
"Entering the Olympics will greatly push forward the development of golf in China," he added.
"The good news is that golf has already become a sport in the [quadrennial] National Games, which means it will draw greater attention and support from provincial sports authorities.
"A platform will be built through them to popularise the sport among the youth and to improve professional golf and marketing development. Golf in China will enjoy explosive growth after that."
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