CLPG Tour Championship kicks off

Wei Qingfeng, secretary-general of the China Golf Association, during a news conference in Haikou, Hainan Province, on Nov. 27. Courtesy of the event organizer

The China Ladies Professional Golfers (CLPG) Tour Championship kicked off at Mission Hills Haikou on Nov. 28.

A total of 102 players from 10 countries and regions converged to compete for the prestigious title and a prize purse of 800,000 yuan (US$110,000).

This event, held from Nov. 28 to 30, marked the 16th anniversary of the CLPG Tour, adding a unique significance to this high-stakes end-of-season tournament.

Tenniel Chu (C), vice chairman of the Mission Hills Group, and players pose for a picture during the news conference.

Established in 2008 in Xiamen, the CLPG Tour has seen remarkable growth over the past 16 years, nurturing talents like Feng Shanshan and Yin Ruoning, who have made their mark internationally.

Players pose for a picture during the news conference.

Among the standout players this year is 25-year-old Sui Xiang from Guangzhou, a double champion on the CLPG Tour, bringing experience and skill to the tournament.

Joining her are promising talented players like Ye Lei, the defending Women’s China Open champion, and seasoned players like Sun Jiaze, who are aiming to rise in the CLPG Association (CLPGA) Rankings.

During the press conference held Nov. 27, Wei Qingfeng, secretary-general of the China Golf Association, highlighted the association's commitment to supporting women's golf.

With preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics already underway, the focus is on developing young athletes and strengthening the professional tours to enhance competitiveness, Wei said.

Tenniel Chu, vice chairman of the Mission Hills Group, said: "Chinese female golfers have achieved proud accomplishments, whether at the Olympics or other international venues. We look forward to an increasing number of Chinese female professional players, with a short-term goal of exceeding 1,000. To achieve this goal, cooperation and joint efforts among the associations, golf clubs, and related industries are needed."

As the season finale approaches, the battle for the prize money queen between Pang Runzhi and Ji Yuai intensifies, with just two events left. The competition is fierce, with Pang vowing to defend her top position despite facing challenges in form and health.

Ji and Ye also voiced their expectations for the CLPG Tour to expand its reach and competitiveness.

Ji said, "I hope the tour will have more events and higher prize money, so even if we don't compete overseas, the tour can be a strong support for our growth." Ye hopes for a higher degree of internationalization, stating, "I hope the proportion of international players increases in the future, making the event a more international and competitive tour. I believe Chinese players can gain more valuable experience from the event."