

GBA golf league to tee off soon
Writer: Windy Shao | Editor: Lin Qiuying | From: Shenzhen Daily | Updated: 2025-05-30
The much-anticipated 5th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Golf Team League is set to officially launch on June 11 at Mission Hills Dongguan.
Organizers have confirmed that the finals will take place on Aug. 21-22.
A press conference and group draw ceremony were held on May 28, drawing key figures including Han Zhishan, General Manager of Mission Hills Golf Club; captains from top teams such as the Shenzhen Indigenous Elite Team; and other distinguished guests who shared their insights and support for the competition.
This year, the league has attracted 35 amateur teams from across China. These teams will be divided into four groups through onsite draws to compete in the preliminary rounds. To streamline the event, the league duration has been shortened to three months. After the group preliminaries conclude in late June and the quarterfinals take place in early August, the advancing teams will vie for the championship in mid-to-late August.
Participants pose for a group photo after a draw ceremony at Mission Hills Dongguan on May 28. Courtesy of Mission Hills Group
Last year’s defending champion, the Shenzhen Indigenous Elite Team, is returning to defend its standing, while 16 new teams add fresh competition this season.
Han expressed enthusiasm about the level of competition, stating,“This year, nearly all of the top amateur teams from the Greater Bay Area are gathering here to compete.” He also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the event’s quality:“Through multiple successful editions, more amateur teams have recognized and embraced our tournament format. Holding the finals on the notoriously demanding Norman Course will heighten the competitive thrill and elevate the event’s prestige. We continuously collect feedback to improve the league every year.”
The tournament structure features three stages— preliminary rounds, quarterfinals, and finals— designed to balance excitement with fair competition, allowing teams to showcase their abilities. Preliminary rounds in June and July will be held at the Leadbetter Course at Mission Hills Dongguan, where teams compete in 18-hole stroke play, with team scores calculated from the top 10 individual performances. Qualifying teams will move on to the quarterfinals in August, a 36-hole match play event. The finals will conclude at the Norman Course, crowning the top eight teams of the year.
Mission Hills has long been a pioneer in China’s golf scene, dedicated to popularizing the sport and nurturing young talent. The venue hosts some of the country’s most influential amateur golf events, such as the annual Golfathon and the National Amateur Golf Super League.