Shanghai, China: Beta Soong, Shanghai Silport’s owner, provided some thorough insight into the importance of his club’s hosting of the annual Volvo China Open when he spoke recently at an industry forum in Guangzhou.

The Taiwanese industrialist (pictured) was among the keynote speakers at the inaugural China Golf Industry Development Forum, which included such prominent figures as R&A golf development secretary Duncan Weir, China Golf Association vice chairman Hu Jianguo, Louis Martin, the European Tour’s director of international services and Professor Chi Fulin, executive director of the China (Hainan) Academy of Reform and Development.

During his speech, Soong said he chose to become involved with the Volvo China Open in 1999 because he could foresee the potential of what it could become if given the right devotion.

At the time, the Asian PGA Tour event was relatively small with its US$400,000 purse, no permanent home and an uncertain future. This November 25-28, Silport will host the US$1 million event for a sixth consecutive year, the first time it will be included in the European Tour schedule.

“The reason I chose to become involved in the Volvo China Open is that I really wanted Shanghai Silport to become one of the main drivers for China golf,” Soong said.

“In my mind, to build a great golf course doesn’t just depend on how much money or equipment you have invested in, but on the mind. If you create a different style for your club, if you give the club energy, then that in itself is doing something for the development of golf. Building Silport into one of the world’s greatest golf club’s has always been one of my aims.”

Aside from building and publicizing the Silport brand name, hosting the event has also had internal benefits. The club now believes that after five years of hosting the APGA Tour events, it is now fully prepared to successfully host the larger-scale European Tour event, which tees off its 2005 season.

Soong said the regional events had been a great learning experience for himself and his staff and he was ready to take that next step to make the Volvo China Open truly part of the world golf scene for the first time this November.

“The teamwork that our staff has developed from all these Opens has made them more confident. They are more experienced in international golf events and their training has made Silport better equipped than other courses. The more they learn the more confident they are. They make our operation and service better and better.”

Perhaps the ultimate accolade for Silport’s staff came last year when the club was voted by the players and organizers of the Asian PGA as the “best tour venue.” It was the second time in three years that it was recognized with the honor.

“How people are treated wherever they go, whether it is a golf course, a person’s home or a retail establishment, is something they always remember. That’s important to us,” Soong said. “I still remember in 1999 when my staff and I tried our best to hold our first Volvo China Open. We all hoped it could be a high-class international event. Now for the tournament to join the European Tour is a landmark event for China golf.

“I know when the first ball is struck in November, everyone at Silport will be proud and excited. After five years of struggling, we are finally experiencing success.”