INNOVATION MAKES FOSHAN OPEN BEST YET
2018-09-25 11:00:51

Although the Foshan Open has developed an enviable reputation for bringing cutting edge thinking to pro golf events, their latest announcement shows that the event has absolutely no intention of resting on its laurels. While there’s nothing new in its focus of continuing to grow a fan following of youth and families, the event revealed bold new plans to make fans feel more than ever that they are part of the show and in the thick of the action. 

“It’s the fans who give the Foshan Open such a great atmosphere,” said Mr. Julian Small, General Manager of the Foshan Golf Club. “Whilst our showpiece is an international pro golf event featuring some of the world’s most promising young players, a very large part of our effort is to try to make sure that fans and their families, whether they play golf or not, have a fun time and take away plenty of happy memories. So this year we’ll be adding some more innovative elements, all related to the main event, which let fans get more involved, in a fun way, in the event and in both the city’s and the sport’s heritages.”

On going through the summer till end September, the event is hosting ‘Par-Tee’ time, a series of events held on the last Friday of each month, at the Foshan Open venue driving range. The aim is to give the residents and their families from the surrounding estate a chance to get more involved with the Foshan Open in the lead up to event week. While golf is the main theme, the occasions are also interwoven with other games and entertainment such as football, Super Mario games, fairy tale and outer space adventures, outdoor movies and delicacies to savour. By event week, it’s anticipated that a large proportion of residents will come to the tournament as keen fans.

Two of the elements during event week, called ‘Beat the Pro’ and ‘Inside the Ropes’ are aimed directly at youngsters. In ‘Beat the Pro’, 12 lucky junior golfers will be selected to take on the pros during the actual Foshan Open. During the tournament’s third round, on Saturday 20th October, each junior will join one of the leading groups of pros at the challenging par three 16th hole. There they will play from the same tees as the pros and see if they can land their tee shots closer to the flag. If they do, then a special prize from the Tournament Organizing Committee awaits. Not only will the kids play in front of the usual large crowds of fans who come to the Foshan Open but will also be filmed for the TV broadcast. 

‘Inside the Ropes’ also provides youngsters with a great opportunity to get right up close to the action by being allowed to walk on the fairways with the pros as they make their way around the course – a rare privilege given that all fans will watch the pros from outside the roped area. The plan is to select 5–10 groups of youngsters who will be spread across 5 -10 groups of pros and walk with them.

“Both ‘Beat the Pro’ and ‘Inside the Ropes’ are a fantastic opportunities for the youngsters,” said Small. “They’ll be right in the thick of the action. And for the ‘Beat the Pro’ a parent can also be there, as the junior’s caddie. So I’m sure they will all take home some amazing memories.”

Plans also include the highly entertaining New World GolfFun Day, which will run throughout the weekend of the tournament. Supported by Foshan Open’s presenting sponsor, New World China, this is specially created with families in mind although anyone will surely enjoy its carnival atmosphere with clowns, dance, photo shoot, children’s painting area, lucky draw and others. The highlight will be the ‘Fun Line,’ which helps fans take a leisurely stroll around the golf course enjoying its natural beauty while getting up close to the action from some of the world’s best young golfing talent.  There will be plenty of chances to pause, rest and relax along the way at the various energy stations where yummy food will be available. 

“You can quite easily spend a whole day enjoying the entertainment, seeing the action or just relaxing and taking in the natural beauty of the golf course,” said Small. 

LOVE LIFE, LOVE GOLF