Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

MISSION Hills hosted the first edition of Legacy Cup on Monday in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, to mark golf’s 40 years’ development in China.

In 1984, the first golf course on the Chinese mainland, Zhongshan Hot Spring Golf Course, opened to the public, marking the beginning of golf on the mainland.

Over 120 professional and amateur parent-child golfers, including renowned players like Zhang Lianwei, Lin Shaoru, Liu Guojie and Tan Guohua, participated in the tournament.

Veteran golfer Liu Guojie and his son Liu Haoxuan won the title.

Zhang Lianwei, the first successful Chinese golfer on the international circuit, spoke highly of the event. “I think this kind of parent-child format is rarely seen in China. It is very symbolic and interesting. I have seen many excellent golfers in my decades of playing who were inspired by their parents,” Zhang said. He also called for more golfers to embrace the mission of promoting golf’s popularity in the nation.

Tenniel Chu, vice chairman of China Golf Association and Mission Hills Group, said the tournament was aimed to commemorate golf’s 40-year journey in China and emphasize its passing on to future generations, showcasing the legacy of Chinese golf.