Shenzhen Native Elite Team wins GBA League

The 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) League concluded Oct. 18, with the Shenzhen Native Elite Team taking home the championship title after a stellar performance, finishing with a total score of 704.

Over the past five months, 30 teams from GBA cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, and Foshan competed in the amateur golf league, culminating in the finals with eight teams vying for the top spot, held at Mission Hills Dongguan on Oct. 17 and 18.

Throughout the competition, the Shenzhen Native Elite Team maintained a consistent lead, effectively ending the Mission Hills Elite Team's two-year dominance as reigning champions. The team was founded in 2015 by local golf enthusiasts from Shenzhen’s Nantou area.

Players pose for a group photo after the GBA League final at Mission Hills Dongguan on Oct. 18. Courtesy of the event organizer

Han Zhishan, general manager of Mission Hills Golf Club, reflected on the importance of this milestone as Chinese golf celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. He expressed optimism for the league, stating, “I am confident that we can establish our team league as a benchmark for amateur events nationwide. This will allow more people to engage in golf and showcase the strength of our GBA teams to golf enthusiasts across the country!”

The GBA League consists of preliminary rounds, playoffs, and finals. During the initial stages in June and July, teams were drawn into four groups and played a 36-hole team stroke play competition. The qualifying teams progressed to team match play in August, leading to the finals that determined the top three teams and the eight that will be seeded for the next season.

The winning team receives substantial prizes valued at approximately 400,000 yuan (US$56,330), including 12 guest packages for the 2025 Mission Hills Golfathon, a Plus card for the Haikou Mission Hills Supreme Black Stone Card, and individual golf bags for each team member. Additionally, the eight finalists secure qualification for the national finals of the 8th Amateur Golf Super League set to take place in Haikou, Hainan Province, in November.

Mission Hills Group, a leader in the golf industry in China, has hosted various amateur golf events, with increasing participation over the years. This tournament, distinct from the popular Golfathon, emphasizes team culture and showcases the charm of amateur golf.