The European Challenge Tour will be returning to China for the first time since 2019 for the Hainan Open, taking place at Danzhou Ancient Saltern Golf Club, Hainan Island, from October 13-16, 2023.
Danzhou Ancient Saltern Golf Club, designed by ten-time DP World Tour winner Graham Marsh, is located along the coastline in the north-west of Hainan Island and offers spectacular views of the ocean.
The Hainan Open was last part of the Road to Mallorca schedule in 2019 as Italian Francesco Laporta secured victory at Sanya Luhuitou Golf Club on his way to being crowned Challenge Tour Number One.
The tournament will be co-sanctioned with the China Golf Association and 72 Challenge Tour players will be given a final chance to earn their spot in the season-ending Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A.
The top 20 players on the Road to Mallorca Rankings at the conclusion of the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final at Club de Golf Alcanada, Mallorca, will earn DP World Tour playing privileges for the 2024 season.
Jamie Hodges, Head of Challenge Tour, said: “It is incredibly exciting to be able to take the Challenge Tour back to China for the Hainan Open, which comes at a crucial time in our season.
“Danzhou Ancient Saltern Golf Club is a spectacular coastal golf course, and it will provide our members with a true test. The Hainan Open has provided us with some great memories in the past and previous champions Alexander Knappe, Erik van Rooyen, Kalle Samooja and Laporta have all gone on to play on the DP World Tour.
“We are grateful to be returning in 2023 and we give special thanks to the China Golf Association, Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province, and everyone at Danzhou Ancient Saltern Golf Club for all of their help and hospitality.”
Zhang Xiaoning, President of China Golf Association, said: “I am looking forward to the return of the Hainan Open with the Challenge Tour. The total prize fund of this tournament has been increased to $500,000, which is the highest men's professional golf tournament held in China this year, reflecting the determination of the China Golf Association to further promote the development of golf.
“This tournament provides a fantastic professional stage for Chinese athletes to express their ability. In October this year, we warmly welcome Challenge Tour stars from all over the world to come to the beautiful Hainan Island to witness the glory and success of the Hainan Open.”
A representative of the Hainan Committee said: “In Hainan, a tropical land, will this year host the biggest golfing event in China this year. The prize fund is upgraded to $500,000 and will attract top players from around the world to compete in Hainan.
“Hainan, with its unique geographical location and warm climate, has created an excellent natural environment for golf events. This competition will highlight Hainan's regional characteristics of openness, inclusiveness, and cultural integration, and become a bridge for cultural exchanges between the East and the West.
“We will strive to provide the best competitive environment for players and present a high-quality competition for the spectators. Let's look forward to this golf feast that Hainan has dedicated to the world.”
