September 30, 2011: Bombardier Aerospace, the world’s third-largest airplane manufacturer, will fly Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter and Liang Wen-chong around China after coming on board as a sponsor of the Shui On Land China Golf Challenge from October 10-16.
The 18-hole tournament has also returned to its original concept of ‘seven cities in seven days’ following the recent announcement that Jinsha Lake Golf Club in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province, will be the host venue on October 11.
Canada-based Bombardier, in partnership with its China representative Sino Private Aviation, will provide business aircraft to transfer the golfers, tournament officials and media between Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Beijing, Dalian, Chongqing and Shenzhen, the nearest major airport to the Long Island Golf and Country Club in neighbouring Dongguan. The players will fly by helicopter for the short journey from Dongguan to Macau for the final day’s action.
The Bombardier aircraft will include the Challenger 605* jet and Challenger 850* jet, which seat up to 12 and 14 passengers respectively.
Christophe Degoumois, Vice President, Bombardier Business Aircraft, said: “Bombardier will be responsible for transporting four of the world’s most famous golfers and other VIP passengers between six major destinations in China, flying from the east to the north, west and south of the country.
“Bombardier is an ideal sponsor as the Shui On Land China Golf Challenge has a global profile yet requires specialist knowledge and experience of China, which our company provides in conjunction with Sino Private Aviation.”
Sino Private Aviation, Bombardier’s representative in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau since 2000, is coordinating all flight-related logistics for one of golf’s most innovative events, which features elements of travel, lifestyle and business.
“The Shui On Land China Golf Challenge is a pioneering, ground-breaking golf tournament and this is a unique, exciting challenge for Bombardier and Sino Private Aviation,” said Diana Chou, Managing Director of Sino Private Aviation (HK) Ltd.
“I’m confident the players, some of whom will have experience of flying on business jets, will be really impressed with the aircraft and the service. These are world-famous sportsmen with busy schedules, so it’s essential that they are provided with comfortable, smooth journeys between cities for what is an exciting but action-packed itinerary.”
Other event sponsors to have signed up include Titleist, Kent & Curwen, Media Asia Group, property developer Lai Fung Holdings, jewellery specialist Van Klaren, Scottsdale Golf Group, Churchill Corporate Services, The Wealth Management Group and The Venetian in Macao, which will host the gala dinner on the Sunday night.
One of golf’s most innovative competitions, the Shui On Land China Golf Challenge will be broadcast globally on Golfing World and distributed internationally by IMG Media, while Sina, the largest Chinese-language infotainment web portal, is an official media partner.
As well as playing two or three holes at each of the courses, the golfers will participate in pro-ams and coaching clinics at selected venues, while also enjoying the culture and cuisine in each city and visiting famous landmarks including the Great Wall in Beijing.
Other destinations include Shui On Land developments such as the Shanghai Xintiandi and Chongqing Tiandi entertainment districts, the latter featuring the famous ‘Shark Bar’ in the Chongqing 88 boutique hotel.
Shui On Land China Golf Challenge 2011 schedule
October 10: Shanghai - Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club
October 11: Zhengzhou - Jinsha Lake Golf Club
October 12: Beijing - Topwin Golf and Country Club & Jade Island International Golf Club
October 13: Dalian - Red Flag Valley
October 14: Chongqing - Sun Kingdom Golf Club
October 15: Dongguan - Long Island Golf and Country Club
October 16: Macau - Caesars Golf Macau
Website: www.shuionlandchinagolfchallenge.com
Twitter: ChinaGChallenge
Image 1: The Bombardier Challenger 605, which seats up to 12 passengers, will be among the aircraft flying Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Liang Wen-chong, Rory McIlroy and other VIPs between cities for the Shui On Land China Golf Challenge from October 10-16.
Image 2: The Bombardier Challenger 850, which seats up to 14 passengers, will be among the aircraft flying Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Liang Wen-chong, Rory McIlroy and other VIPs between cities for the Shui On Land China Golf Challenge from October 10-16.
