The Volvo China Open returns to Shanghai for the 30th edition of the national championship, April 17-20, with an action-packed week of events sure to please golf fans young and old alike.
With the USD 2.5 million tournament taking place at Enhance Anting Golf Club, this showcase of golf features a top field of the world’s best international players, a public village offering culinary delights, entertainment and fun activities, sponsors booths and the Volvo Exhibition Area featuring the company’s latest vehicles offerings, all in a vibrant carnival atmosphere.
Spectators can also learn about the European Tour’s “Green Drive” initiative and the achievements Volvo is making in environmental sustainability. All told, a spectacular golf feast is set to unfold in Shanghai.
Tournament
With the tournament co-sanctioned by the China Tour and the DP World Tour, a top field will be on hand to contest the championship at Enhance Anting. Adrian Otaegui of the United Arab Emirates goes into the tournament as the defending champion and will attempt to become the first player in the championship’s history to win back-to-back.
Others confirmed for the field include England’s Jordan Smith, Nicolas Colsaerts, the “Belgian Bomber” who won the title in 2011, Frenchman Romaine Langasque and compatriot Alexander Levy, a two-time winner of the championship in 2014 and 2017.
Li Haotong, who raised the trophy in 2016, leads a strong group of Chinese players who will be aiming to keep the title on home soil.
With the tournament the penultimate stop on the DP World Tour’s Asian Swing, the winner of the Asian Swing will receive a place in the field for the PGA Championship this May at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The tournament also marks the first time Enhance Anting, a spectacular 18-hole layout designed by famed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones II, is opening its gates to the public.
Public Village
Away from the on-course action, spectators can kick back and enjoy all the activities going on in the Public Village. In this hub of joy and excitement, a dedicated public-activity area, visitors will find delicious food and beverage offerings, entertainment and a variety of fun activities to fully immerse themselves in the pleasure of golf. Among them:
Fun Activity Zone: In this area, RG Golf (simulator) will be hosting various entertainment activities to experience first-hand the joy of golf. In addition, golf stars will be visiting the Public Village throughout the tournament to provide autographs and interact with the public.
Rest and Dining Area: This public dining area is a gastronomic haven that will please even the most discerning foodies. While enjoying the delicious food and beverage offerings, large LED TV screens around the area ensure that none of the golf action is missed.
Volvo Cars Exhibition Area: Volvo Cars will showcase its vehicles, offer brand interaction experiences and provide test drives in the public activity zone, fully demonstrating the brand synergy between Volvo and golf.
Sponsor Booths: Several event sponsors, including Castrol, Fila Golf and Honma, among others, will have booths in the public area, allowing spectators to experience the latest products, engage in interactive games and have the chance to win prizes.
Activities for all to Enjoy
In celebration of the Volvo China Open's 30th anniversary, the tournament organizer has meticulously planned a series of activities centered around the themes of "Volvo," "China," and "Open."
Prior to the tournament, the Volvo Family Golf Experience is inviting 10 Volvo owner families to the Enhance Anting driving range where they will be introduced to the sport (March 23). In addition, the Volvo Cars AED Road Messenger Alliance will provide emergency volunteer teams and AED equipment during the event, along with public safety education. The Volvo Cars Xiao Hong Ma Safety Education will promote traffic safety awareness among students, enhancing their self-protection skills. The Volvo China Open City Workshops (through April 14) will host events across the country to boost public awareness and engagement with the tournament.
The tournament's Photo call (April 15) and "Foreigners Explore Jiading" event (April 15-16) will deeply integrate Chinese elements, particularly local Shanghai culture. Participants will visit ancient Jiangnan towns, savor traditional Jiading cuisine, and experience the region's cultural and automotive heritage. Through the tournament's official media channels and players' social media, these activities will share China's stories with the world, showcasing its openness and unique charm.
Furthermore, the tournament will continue to promote golf for all, including pre-event online challenges with RG simulators, the Junior Reporter Program (April 17-18), and the Golf Study Tours (April 17-19) during the tournament week. These efforts aim to bring golf to all levels of society, making it an accessible lifestyle choice.
Green Drive for a Sustainable Future
The Volvo China Open will continue to be guided by the European Tour's "Green Drive" initiative and, with the relocation of the event from Shenzhen to Shanghai, will further deepen its commitment to sustainable development.
Launched in 2021, Green Drive is the European Tour Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility program. In following the initiatives set out in The Paris Agreement and the UN Sport for Climate Framework, the Tour takes a holistic and integrated approach to priority issues such as fostering nature, conserving resources, social responsibility and value and climate action. Its main aim is to lead by example, support and share and promote and inspire by raising awareness.
In recent years, the Volvo China Open has also made remarkable achievements in sustainability, including implementing paperless operations, eliminating single-use plastic water bottles, recycling materials, promoting waste sorting, conserving water, and introducing Volvo’s fully electric premium MPV, the EM90, for event transportation. While the change of venue presents new challenges, the commitment to "Green Drive" remains unwavering, and the tournament's sustainability efforts will continue to advance.
Detailed information for all these activities can be found at www.volvoingolf.com
