Hainan looks to capitalize on the DP World Tour's return to China

The DP World Tour made its return to China on Thursday as the Hainan Classic got underway at Mission Hills in Haikou. Officials are hailing it as a pivotal moment for the sport's growth and a showcase of Hainan's emergence as a global sports destination.

The tournament, the first of the tour's Asian Swing, features a field of 120 players from 27 countries and regions competing for a $2.55 million purse.

At a pre-tournament news conference on Wednesday, golf leaders spoke on the event's significance beyond the competition.

Wei Qingfeng, secretary-general of the China Golf Association, said hosting world-class competitions is a key objective for the development of sports in the country. He noted the tournament's new dual-course format — which will see players compete simultaneously on two 36-hole layouts — as a testament to its international and professional standards. Wei also pointed to the CGA's concurrent campus mini-golf event for children as an example of integrating sports with tourism to support Hainan's development as an international tourism hub.

Xie Fei, director of the European Tour Group's China office, emphasized the long-standing partnership between the tour and the CGA, which now spans more than two decades. She explained the stakes for players in the Asian Swing, the third of five global swings in the 2026 season. The highest-ranked player in the Asian Swing will earn a spot in the DP World Tour's back-nine events, with the top three securing entry into the US PGA Championship in May.

Tenniel Chu, vice chairman of Mission Hills China and honorary vice chairman of the CGA, credited Hainan Free Trade Port policies for a significant boost to the tournament. He noted that visa-free entry facilitated the participation of both the international field and a record number of amateur guests from diverse backgrounds.

He added that, for the first time in Asia, a professional tournament is pairing amateurs with professionals for the first two rounds. "All the amateurs from all walks of life, from entrepreneurs to celebrities to singers to actors and sporting athletes, they all come together as one here to enjoy the beautiful Hainan at Mission Hills," Chu said.

Anil, deputy director of the Competitive Sports Division of the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports, said the combination of watching sports, tourism, and spending turns sports fans into tourism dollars. He also pointed to the province's duty-free policies and streamlined entry for people and equipment as core strengths that help Hainan host high-level competitions, improving its facilities and building a stronger base for sports tourism.

Jerome Ng, R&A regional director for Asia-Pacific development, stressed the importance of nurturing young talent. He said China's large student population presents significant potential for the sport. Ng acknowledged the challenge of transitioning young players from introductory programs to elite competition and pledged the R&A's commitment to supporting youth development. "High-level events like this provide an invaluable platform for China's rising stars," he said.

Ding Wenyi, a rising Chinese star, said he was happy to be back competing in China. "I'm very happy to be back at Mission Hills to compete," he said. "Thanks to the European tour and the China Golf Association for holding this event. Personally, I feel more comfortable on some of the Asian courses, and the fans here are very friendly. I'm looking forward to the tournament and hoping for a good result."

Wu Ashun, a five-time winner on the DP World Tour, said his focus over the past year has been on rehabilitating an arm injury and improving his fitness. "I've achieved that pretty well," Wu said. "Hopefully, I can have a good breakthrough this year."

French rookie Martin Couvra, who finished fifth in last year's event here, said he has fond memories of the course. "Hainan has the advantage to hold international world-class tournaments, all the facilities are pretty good, nice course, great hotel," Couvra said. "And the visa-free policy helps international players come here smoothly and conveniently."

England's Andy Sullivan, currently fifth in the Dubai Rankings, expressed confidence. "I've been playing well this year, so I'm looking for a good showing," he said. "And you never know what the week will bring, but hopefully lift the trophy at the end of the week."

Contact the writer at chenbowen@chinadaily.com.cn