As chairman of Shanghai Silport Golf Group, the esteemed Beta Soong was the recent subject of a high-profile article in Noblesse, a widely-read South Korean lifestyle magazine. Korea is a nation of well-heeled, golf-mad people, and in its September 2006 issue, Noblesse introduced Soong as “a golf tycoon with a clear vision and great determination,” backed up by a detailed profile of his achievements.

The irony is that about 15 years ago, Beta Soong went to Shanghai for a firsthand look at possible sites. He had faith in the economic development of China, and decided to invest in a golf course, despite the fact that others did not see things as positively back then. Soong was very enthusiastic about investing in China’s golfing industry due to the economic environment of the great city of Shanghai. As time went on, Soong realized that China, and in particular, Shanghai, was indeed a very promising investment arena. He then embarked upon the path to success, making the necessary strides towards developing Shanghai Silport Golf Club. Silport is now the "spiritual home of the Volvo China Open," as well as home to the event for six consecutive years.

The Noblesse article also highlights Soong’s amazing Tiger Beach Golf Links, which he personally designed. A pure links-style course, Tiger Beach has been praised as “the Oriental version of St. Andrews,” making it a remarkable accomplishment for a man who admittedly possesses no experience in golf course design and little professional knowledge of the sport.

All this points to why Tiger Beach is such a success: Soong is highly passionate about the essence of the sport of golf. The way he sees it, his achievements are “mainly due to one thing: wholehearted dedication.” Soong has always been inspired by the old Chinese proverb: “The things which appear simple are often the most difficult to master. Therefore, the only path to success is thinking thoroughly and planning systematically.” This is a master plan Beta Soong has taken to heart, and the end result has been nothing less than superb. And that’s what matters most. Just ask any golfer.