Champions Tour cancels China event after Tianjin Blast

Pacific Links International and the PGA Champions Tour announced on 25th that the decision was made to cancel the 2015 Pacific Links China Championship. The event, scheduled for September 14-20, would have been the first Champions Tour to be played in China, and was to be held at one of Asia’s most exclusive golf courses, Pacific Links’ 27 Club. In light of the recent tragic explosions in the port area of Tianjin, China, it was determined the internationally celebrated and televised Pacific Links Championship will be postponed until next year. Although the 27 Club and surrounding areas were not directly affected by the explosion, event organizers agreed it would be inappropriate to continue with the event.

“Given the recent events, Pacific Links and our members feel it is time to support and grieve with the victims’ families, friends and all residents of the great city of Tianjin,” said Mr. Du Sha, owner and chairman of Pacific Links International.

Mr. Sun, president of the China Olympic Sports Industry (COSI), the event management partner for the Pacific Links China Championship, shared the same feelings as Mr. Du about this decision.

“As the event management partner, COSI would like to join with Pacific Links and the PGA TOUR's Champions Tour in grieving with everybody who has been affected by this tragedy,” said Mr. Sun. “We are in full support of the people of Tianjin. We sincerely hope next year’s Pacific Links China Championship can be held to honor the memory of those from Tianjin who died and were injured.”

Champions Tour President Greg McLaughlin added, “On behalf of the Champions Tour and our players, we are confident this is the appropriate and correct decision. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families and those injured after this tragedy. We look forward to our continued partnership with Pacific Links and the 2016 Champions Tour event at the 27 Club in China.”

Pacific Links International announced earlier this year that its signature PGA Championship Tour event would be relocated from Hawaii to China for 2015. The Pacific Links China Championship was set to coincide with the official grand opening of the company’s flagship course in Asia, the 27 Club.

Taken from PRWeb