Foshan Open Announces 40% Increase In Prize Money To US$500,000
2015-03-23 09:48:23
Foshan Golf Club, Guangdong, China, 19th March. Prize money for this year’s Foshan Open will rise by US150,000 to US$500,000 making it the third richest event on the European Challenge Tour this year to date. Now in its third year, the Foshan Open has become one of the most popular spectator events on the Tour. Last year over 40,000 attended.
“We’re delighted with how popular the event has become in the space of just two years,” said Mr. Albert Zhang from New World China Land who is responsible for operation, management and promotion of Foshan Open. “The Foshan Open is already an important event on the Tour but we aim to increase its importance and impact further still, especially among our home Chinese players. A win here will most likely catapult a player into the top 45 on the Tour and a start in the final two events. This would not only improve his world ranking but earn him a start in virtually all the events on next year’s European Challenge Tour.
Last year’s champion, Jason Palmer of England earned US$56,000 for his one-shot victory which effectively sealed his place on this year’s highly lucrative European Tour. This year, with the winner now earning US$80,000, the impact on his end-of-season position, and his opportunities on the wider European Challenge Tour, will become much greater.
Alain de Soultrait, Director of the European Challenge Tour, said “The increase is perfect timing for us as it will give a big boost to our recently introduced ‘Final Swing’.” said. “It will mean that the leading players will almost certainly need to be playing well right to the end of the season to make sure of a top 15 place in the Ranking and graduation the European Tour.”
“The Foshan Open prize money increase will definitely attract more high-level golfers and thus increase the level of competition in general, providing an excellent and competitive event to all of the audiences,” said Zhang Xiao-ning, Deputy President and Secretary General of China Golf Association “Our players are improving each year and winning is very much a distinct possibility. We believe they can achieve good results this year.”
The third edition of the Foshan Open will be held at Foshan Golf Club from 22-25 October and is part of the ‘Final Swing’ on the European Challenge Tour. Some of the world’s top players such as Martin Kaymer, Justin Rose, Louis Oosthuizen and Ian Poulter started their professional careers on the Challenge Tour.
ENDS
