Long-awaited collaboration

T K Pen, vice-president of the China Golf Association and chairman of the CLPG Tour, has been working toward a partnership with the JLPGA for over a decade. Last week, that vision became a reality.

"Hiromi Kobayashi, chairman of the JLPGA, has long championed golf exchanges between China and Japan. This tournament is a testament to our shared efforts and friendship," Pen said. "As the first jointly sanctioned event between the CLPG Tour and JLPGA, it marks a new era of collaboration in golf development for both countries."

Having observed the JLPGA's growth under Kobayashi's leadership, Pen expressed hope that this partnership with the JLPGA Step Up Tour is just the beginning, with ambitions to extend cooperation to top-tier JLPGA events in the future.

"There is much we can learn from the JLPGA's reforms, especially in integrating data to help players refine their skills more efficiently," he said.

"The CLPG Tour has also undergone major reforms in recent years, producing top players like Yin Ruoning and Zeng Liqi. Our goal is to continue elevating the level of Chinese golfers through these efforts," Pen said.

Beyond competition, Pen emphasized that golf serves as a bridge for cultural exchange, fostering connections among players, sponsors and fans, while also driving local tourism. He noted that co-hosted tournaments not only strengthen ties between China and Japan, but also enhance business cooperation and economic exchange between the two countries.

"This tournament's success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Mitsubishi Electric Automation," he added.

Zhang Wei, president of Mitsubishi Electric Automation (China) Ltd, said he hopes the event will provide a new platform for international engagement, further integrating global sports culture and injecting fresh energy into the sport's development.

"Through events like this, we aim to showcase the talent and presence of women in golf, contribute to the growth of the women's game and inspire more people to embrace sports, supporting the broader national fitness movement," Zhang said.

liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn