The competition at the World Amateur Handicap Championship has always set the event apart, but it’s not just 72 holes of net, stroke play that makes the tournament unique. The World Am, like golf at the highest of professional levels, is truly an international event.
More than 3,000 people from all 50 American states will be joined by players from 25 foreign countries this year, including, for the first time, participants from China. The opportunity for players to test their games against competitors from across the globe is a powerful lure, and that component of the World Am will only continue to grow.
Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday, the World Am’s parent company, partnered with Olle Sports to introduce the tournament and Myrtle Beach to China. The result is a relationship that will grow the tournament and enhance the sense of the community that makes the event so special to its participants.
Olle Sports, based in Guangzhou, China, has birdied its first year efforts with the World Am. The sports marketing company hosted a series of World Am qualifying tournaments throughout China, preparing golfers for the opportunity to earn the title of World Champion in Myrtle Beach.
There were eight qualifying tournament held throughout China and 862 golfers participated. Nine golfers from each qualifying event advanced to the national finals were nine players secured their spot in the World Am.
The series of officially sanctioned World Am events were a rousing success, thanks in large part to sponsors who were eager to engage with golfers. Pabst Blue Ribbon 1844 title sponsored the China series, exposing players to one of China’s best and most popular brews.
Yes, PBR 1844 is the sister beer of America’s resurgent Pabst Blue Ribbon, and it’s a truly premium product. Each barrel of PBR 1844 is aged for 298 days in oak barrels that are handmade in China, creating an amber lager that is regarded as one of China’s best (please, PBR, bring it here!).
With the sponsor support, Olle Sports held events from Guangzhou to Beijing, and eight Chinese golfers earned their way into the World Am field, further enriching golf’s most diverse event.
The Chinese players will be joined by competitors from the Italy, Portugal and Ireland, among many other nations, helping provide the World Am with the international flavor that lures players back year after year.
“The World Am has long been the game’s leading amateur handicap tournament,” Jeff Monday, MBGH’s tournament director, said. “We are delighted to partner with Olle Sports to bring Chinese golfers to Myrtle Beach. Their presence will enhance the tournament competitively and experientially for our event.”
