September 2, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
Since the first round of this $10.25 million tournament in 2005, which has attracted the world’s best players to China, including Tiger Woods who was runner up, COVID-19 has finally brought down the curtain on the World Golf Championships HSBC Champions that was to take place at the Sheshan Golf Club from Oct. 29-Nov. 1.
Sheshan Golf Club is a player’s dream of a challenge. It opened as the first premier private golf club in Shanghai, China. Founded in 2004, the 18 hole golf course plays to a par of 72 and is designed by Nelson and Haworth Design, and spans over 7,266 yards.
“We have worked extensively with all Tours, international officials, the China Golf Association and other local parties to find a solution to host the WGC-HSBC Champions,” the U.S. PGA Tour’s Ty Votaw said in a statement.
“In line with Chinese government guidelines and being mindful of the logistical implications, we collectively made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 event.”
Sporting activities have been extremely limited in the country and China’s General Administration of Sport said in July that China would not hold any international sporting events this year aside from trials for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sheshan course is located just outside of Shanghai and has a long list of former champions including Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele and last year Rory McIlroy.
