Kevin Harding, founder and organizer of the league, said the tour continues to grow in stature each year as more senior executives participate. The Silport event featured a field of 70.

“One of the main attractions of the Tour is the chance to get to play all the great golfing venues in Shanghai. It is also beneficial to the clubs as these people are top executives with large domestic and multinational companies who are looking to join clubs. This gives them a good perspective of what’s out there,” he said.

“Silport is a lot different from many of the courses we play because of the water. In many cases, there is water on both sides of the fairway and it provides a real challenge. Shot making is placed at a premium. Silport hosting the Volvo China Open is another positive for our players.”

Playing under overcast skies, 20 handicap Harding nearly came away a winner. The Englishman shot a 14-over 86 but lost on a draw to CK Ong. David Schulman won the low gross honor with an 82.