Shanghai Daily news

Golf was once an elite sport for wealthy individuals. But passion for this sophisticated yet entertaining sport has gradually spread, even filtering through Shanghai in the past few years.
"Since China has opened its door, the multinationals have poured in and golf has become an essential tool at the top levels of business," said Rocky Yip, general manager of Binhai Golf Club, whose course borders the East China Sea.
He added that many ambitious young Chinese, who realize one way to cultivate a closer relationship with clients, are taking up the game. After completing deals, the course becomes a birthplace for friendship as well.
"Playing golf is a wonderful way to get to know your counterparts," Yip said. "In the time it takes to play 18 holes you can learn an amazing amount about a person, including how they perform under pressure."
Close to Pudong International Airport, people wearing golf attire and carrying golf clubs are a common sight in the area. According to Yip, women from Japan and South Korea get together to hold a tournament at Binhai from time to time.
"It proves that our golf club has become a melting pot as Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and expatriates all hit the links with their business partners," Yip said.
Founded in 2000, Binhai Golf Club cost more than US$20 million to build. Located in Nanhui District, it is about a 75-minute drive from downtown.
The club has also brought in foreign expertise in the form of Wyndham Heyring, its executive director. For more than a decade, he was the general manager of the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club, one of the oldest facilities in the region.
The englishman also initiated former world No.1 Tiger Woods' visit to Mission Hills while working at the Shenzhen club in 2001.
"The club will be among the biggest in the city after nine more holes are completed by the end of September, adding to the current 27 holes," said Yip.
The first 18-hole Fairy Lake Course is a Peter Thomson design. The five times British Open champion has more than 30 years experience in golf course design.
"We plan to expand to 54-holes (three full courses), which mimic the links style clubs of Scotland, where golf originated in the 15th century," Yip said.
At binhai, about half of its 1000-plus members are expatriates residing in the city and the remainder are Chinese.
"In my opinion, golf should not be seen as too elitist or a rich man's game," Yip said. "The high cost of a basic membership is a barrier to attracting people to the sport."
The club offers a membership for 3,680 yuan (US$443.37) per year.
Golf is being used increasingly by property developers to lend a cachet of Western sophistication to residential developments. They make money for properties by using golf as a key selling point.
"But for us, we are dedicated only to golf - the sport itself," Yip said.
He said a challenging layout matters first when it comes to attracting golf enthusiasts.
"The layout of the Fairy Lake Course provides a challenging adventure and memorable experience for most players," he said.
"Also, the key to success in this industry, like any other, relies on experienced management and service. Golfers believe that the value for their money is not just based on a great course, but on the quality of service as well."
Yip said he believes the sport will become more popular among teenagers and women in the future. Women comprise about 15 percent of Binhai's current members.