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Forbidden Game Golf and the Chinese Dream

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Forbidden Game: Golf and the Chinese Dream

by Dan Washburn

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3737 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	338 pages

Golf has a complex and fascinating history in China. For centuries, it was seen as a game for the elite, and only the wealthy and powerful were allowed to play. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to make golf more accessible to the masses. This has been driven by the Chinese government's desire to promote the sport as a way to improve the country's health and fitness levels, as well as its international image.

The Early Years of Golf in China

The first golf courses in China were built in the late 19th century by foreign missionaries and businessmen. These courses were located in major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Tianjin. However, golf remained a relatively obscure sport in China until the early 20th century, when it was introduced to the country's upper classes by Chinese students who had studied abroad. These students formed the first golf clubs in China, and they began to organize tournaments and competitions.

In the 1930s, golf began to spread to other parts of China, and new courses were built in cities such as Wuhan, Nanjing, and Guangzhou. However, the sport was still seen as a luxury, and only the wealthy could afford to play. The Chinese Civil War (1946-1949) caused a decline in the popularity of golf, as many courses were destroyed or abandoned. After the war, the communist government banned golf as a bourgeois sport.

The Revival of Golf in China

Golf was reintroduced to China in the early 1980s, as part of the country's economic reforms. The first new golf course was built in Shenzhen in 1984, and within a few years, new courses were sprouting up all over the country. The Chinese government saw golf as a way to attract foreign investment and promote tourism. It also believed that golf could help to improve the country's health and fitness levels.

The revival of golf in China has been driven by the country's rapidly growing middle class. These consumers have disposable income to spend on leisure activities, and golf has become a popular choice. In 2014, there were over 500 golf courses in China, and this number is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.

The Chinese Dream

The Chinese government's vision for the future of golf is closely aligned with the country's broader goals for economic and social development. The Chinese Dream is a term used to describe the government's aspirations for a prosperous, harmonious, and modern China. Golf is seen as a way to contribute to this goal by promoting health, fitness, and international交流change.

The government has invested heavily in golf infrastructure, and it is working to make the sport more accessible to the masses. It has also introduced a number of policies to promote golf development, such as tax breaks for golf courses and financial assistance for junior golfers. The government's efforts are paying off. Golf is becoming increasingly popular in China, and it is now seen as a sport for everyone, not just the elite.

The Future of Golf in China

The future of golf in China is bright. The country has a large and growing population of golfers, and the government is committed to promoting the sport. The Chinese Dream is a powerful driver of growth for golf, and it is likely that the sport will continue to flourish in the years to come.

Golf has come a long way in China. From its humble beginnings as a game for the elite, it has become a sport that is enjoyed by people from all walks of life. The Chinese government's support for golf has been a major factor in its growth, and the future of the sport in China looks bright. As the Chinese Dream continues to unfold, golf is likely to play an increasingly important role in the country's development.

Forbidden Game: Golf and the Chinese Dream

by Dan Washburn

4.5 out of 5