The Volvo China Open’s move from Hidden Grace Golf Club in Shenzhen to Shanghai’s Enhance Anting Golf Club is not just a geographical shift but also a significant opportunity to deepen its commitment to sustainability.
Guided by the European Tour Group’s ‘Green Drive’ Initiative, the tournament will implement systematic measures to create a green, eco-friendly and sustainable event.
The ‘Green Drive’ Initiative was launched in June 2021. A subsequent update to the strategy was issued in October 2022, announcing the Tour’s signature to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action pledge with the aim to reach Net Zero by 2040.
This resulted in an increased drive to reduce carbon emissions, and at selected events credibly offset via the Gold Standard.
Some of the key areas for consideration and targets are: locally sourced suppliers, cleaner energy to power our events - renewable grid power, solar, HVO and hydrogen, zero waste to landfill, free drinking water for all, reducing single use plastics at our events, venues to be GEO Certified, ethical procurement code, tournament collateral to be repurposed (wood, carpet, food, and signage), cleaner transportation, use of Electric Vehicles into shuttles, paperless ticketing and raising awareness.
This year marks the second consecutive year that the Volvo China Open has been guided by the ‘Green Drive’ Initiative.
After rejoining the DP World Tour schedule last year, the tournament partnered with ‘Green Drive’ and ultimately received the ‘Green Drive’ certification from the European Tour Group. In fact, the tournament began exploring sustainability as early as 2019 and has integrated green and sustainable practices into every aspect of event preparation, organisation, and post-event utilisation since 2021.
Building on initiatives such as paperless operations, plastic reduction and low-carbon transportation, this year’s tournament will further innovate its practices. Volvo Cars will collaborate with the event to launch two public welfare initiatives – the “Volvo Cars AED Road Messenger Alliance” and the “Volvo Cars Xiao Hong Ma Safety Education”. These programs will integrate road safety awareness and environmental consciousness into the tournament through first-aid training and interactive safety workshops.
In the Public Village, Volvo Cars will showcase sustainable products: the Norico collection, made from natural pine resin from sustainably managed forests in Finland and Sweden combined with recycled PET bottles, and the Kaka travel mug, which reduces the use of non-degradable materials by incorporating coffee grounds. These sustainable products combine personal well-being with social sustainability, embodying Volvo Cars’ core values of “safety, environmental protection, and quality”, and have earned international recognition, including the 2024 London Design Award.
This year’s ‘Green Drive’ Initiative faces dual challenges: Enhance Anting Golf Club is not only hosting a DP World Tour event for the first time but must also simultaneously implement the Volvo China Open’s sustainability standards, adhering to strict requirements across all dimensions.
“This is the first time in the club’s 20-year history that we are hosting an international event such as the Volvo China Open,” said Ozzie Ling, Enhance Anting Golf Club Executive Director. “We are fully aware of the responsibilities and challenges we face. We must not only provide a high-quality venue that tests the skills of the DP World Tour players but also ensure that the club’s facilities and services meet exceptional standards. At the same time, we are committed to meeting the high standards of the ‘Green Drive’ Initiative, striving for perfection in every detail, from energy and water conservation to sustainable catering and waste sorting. I am confident that since we have earned a spot among the world's top 60 Platinum Golf & Country Clubs, we are fully capable of fulfilling the mission entrusted to us by this tournament.”
Michel Zhao, Chairperson of Volvo China Open, expressed confidence in Enhance Anting Golf Club. “The shift from Shenzhen Hidden Grace Golf Club to Shanghai Enhance Anting Golf Club is not merely a change in location but a relay of sustainability principles from Shenzhen to Shanghai," he said. "While partnering with a new club presents challenges, these challenges also create valuable opportunities to impact new communities and inspire more people. We are eagerly anticipating the tournament's 30th anniversary celebration and firmly believe that Enhance Anting will rise to the occasion, joining us in writing a new chapter.”
In 2025, the Volvo China Open will continue to build a sustainable tournament in the following aspects:
• Paperless Operations
The tournament will no longer provide printed brochures or daily schedules to spectators. Instead, spectators can scan QR codes to follow the tournament's official WeChat account for information, including entry guidelines, live scoring and tournament news.
• Plastic Reduction
Water stations will be set up on-site, eliminating the provision of bottled water to players, caddies, staff, volunteers and sponsors. Bottled water will not be sold or given away to spectators. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles to minimise the use of single-use plastic bottles.
• Low-Carbon Transportation
The tournament promotes green and low-carbon travel, encouraging spectators to use public transportation. During the event, clean-energy buses will provide shuttle services for spectators, while players, caddies, staff and media will commute via bus. Volvo’s fully electric premium MPV, the EM90, will be used for event transportation, reducing carbon emissions.
• Reuse and Recycling
Wooden materials such as advertising boards, signage, leaderboards and yardage markers will be recycled and refurbished for use in future tournaments. Knitted materials such as pin flags, caddie vests and photographer vests will be cleaned and reused. Spectator ropes, media center desks and tent frames will be dismantled and reassembled for reuse.
• Waste Sorting
Dual-bin waste sorting stations will be placed at 18 locations throughout the venue. Spectators are encouraged to use recyclable bins to reduce landfill waste, which will be converted into new energy or compost.
• Sustainable Catering
The tournament will use certified, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian and halal options will be available, with a focus on low-carbon ingredients. Meal planning will prioritise reducing food waste, such as reusing buffet leftovers. Disposable containers, such as volunteer meal boxes, will be made from recyclable and biodegradable materials.
• Equity and Inclusion
The tournament organiser will arrange study tours and community visits for students. This is to encourage them to learn about and engage in golf, green tournaments, healthy lifestyles and the positive impact the game has on the environment and communities.
• Event Safety
In addition to prioritising safety, the tournament will host the AED Road Messenger Alliance, providing first-aid training for staff before the event and offering emergency services and AEDs to spectators and players during the tournament. The Xiao Hong Ma Safety Education will engage spectators through interactive experiences, promoting road safety and environmental protection.
• Local Prosperity
Players will take photos and videos at local landmarks, promoting the region through the DP World Tour and local tourism networks. Most event staff will be local hires, receiving professional training and employment opportunities. Various "Try Golf" activities in the public area will introduce non-golfers to the game. The tournament will leverage resources from the China Golf Association, Shanghai Government, Volvo and the DP World Tour to promote the event to national and global audiences.
