Angus confidence is high that the area will continue to benefit from China’s burgeoning golf industry.
The sport continues to enjoy meteoric growth in the Far East since its foundation 25 years ago, and a decade-long relationship forged by the county has just had a boost at a Chinese business conference.
Council head of economic development David Valentine was invited to be keynote speaker at China’s 11th Annual General Managers’ meeting in Tianjin, a gathering of over 500 general managers, golf officials and leading media representatives from across the nation.
The heritage and culture of golf was the theme of the event and Mr Valentine focused his address on the Carnoustie Country product which has been developed in and around Angus by the local authority, as well as delivering his observations on the vast differences between golf in Scotland and China.
He has suggested Angus is well placed to reap the benefit of the Chinese ties, both in the east and at home, where visiting golfers can inject as much as £1000 a day into the local economy.
“The hard work we’ve invested over the last 10 years is now paying dividends,” said Mr Valentine.
“To be invited as the keynote speaker at China’s premier golf conference shows that we must have made our mark in what is the fastest growing golf industry on the planet.
“It’s exciting to know that our Carnoustie Country promotion in China is now seen as a distinctive brand that is associated with the best that Scotland, the home of world golf, can offer.
“The first golf club in China was established in 1984 and so we became involved just at the right time.
“There are already as many golf clubs and club members as there are in Scotland and over two million people now play the game.
“Golf in China is the preserve of the most influential business executives and top earners within society and is growing at a fast pace.
“Our strategy is clear by selling our Carnoustie Country range of products to golfers we are promoting our destination at the point of sale. This is now bringing more Chinese golfers to play here.
“Chinese golfers will always want to play our world renowned championship courses.
“However, by focusing on the rich golf heritage of our Carnoustie Country destination, Angus Council’s campaign in China is aimed at interesting them in experiencing the social side of golf on some of our the less known courses as well, and keeping them here for as long as possible.”
Montrose councillor and corporate services convener Mark Salmond, who accompanied Mr Valentine on the latest business mission, said, “This was a tremendous opportunity to focus on Angus as a golf tourism destination.
“David’s keynote speech was received enthusiastically by general managers and media from the whole of China.”
The Angus link is being permanently promoted in China through the Pro Simon Carnoustie Country golfwear company, a sponsor of the conference which has recently opened a new Carnoustie Country golf shop in the Beijing Willow golf club.
He also revealed that the council has struck a new deal which aims to bring even greater numbers of golfers to the area.
He said, “Angus Council is working in association with Apex Sports International who have just opened a new office in Shanghai with the intention of bringing golfers to Scotland.
“Their commitment to Angus Council is that at least two nights will be spent in Carnoustie Country during each of their group itineraries.”