First Beijing International Open

23 - 24 May 2009, West Palace Pitch and Putt course, Beijing, China.

For those of us who like to combine our love of the sport of Pitch & Putt and travelling, getting to know special new places around the world, this year we are being offered a unique opportunity to play in the first Beijing Open and discover the enchanting sites and sounds of the magical city of Beijing. The CPPA (Chinese Association of Pitch & Putt) has now announced more details of the planned international tournament and itinerary of visits from the 17th – 25th May 2009.

The programme envisages connecting flights from European cities (e.g. Dublin or Barcelona) on scheduled flights to Frankfurt on the morning of Sunday 17th. The flight Frankfurt – Beijing is scheduled for the Sunday afternoon, serving both dinner and breakfast on board, arriving on the morning of the 18th. Lufthansa in collaboration with Air China is a member of Star Alliance, renowned for excellent service.

From Beijing's new international airport of players and companions will be transferred to our hotel, the Jade Palace (5 stars), for room allocation and a period of relaxation. Lunch will be served in the hotel or in a nearby restaurant. So as to make the stay in the Olympic City as enjoyable as possible we will be offered a short ‘briefing’ concerning details of the programme, the city, general information of interest to tourists, as well as specific information regarding the Pitch & Putt tournament. Afterwards a panoramic coach tour of the ancient city is offered to give us a small contact with the Chinese Capital. Precisely the first days of our visit to China is to get to know much more about this imperial, historic, and indeed Olympic city.

The first major tour, the following day, includes the world’s largest central square, Tian’anmen Square and the largest and best preserved Imperial Palace, The Forbidden City where we are invited to lunch. During the afternoon we intend to visit the famous Silk Market where we will have time enough to do some bargain shopping and look around. The evening’s dinner is planned for the restaurant on the shores of the Beihai Lake.

A visit to the Temple of Heaven, a treasure trove of ancient Chinese architectural designs and arts, is planned for Wednesday 20th. followed after lunch by the visit to the main venues of the Olympic Games. This evening’s dinner is in the popular traditional district of Wangfujing. We could also stroll along the famous Sanlitun streets, the area of the international embassies, a very popular and agreeable zone.

Thursday, 21st. gives us an opportunity of have a first contact with the Pitch & Putt course within the complex of the West Palace Club. Those inscribed to play in the Open may practice free of charge, companions will be charged a nominal greenfee. Others may wish to take the day off to visit the Great Wall of China (arrangements to be made with the Hotel reception) or for a shopping walk in the city centre. We could meet up again for dinner at the Sihai Lake Restaurant.

Friday morning is dedicated to official practice rounds and a visit to the Summer Palace and Imperial Gardens is programmed for the afternoon. Dinner will be served in one of the city’s most traditional restaurants, Dazhaimen. All this leads up the first Beijing Open of Pitch & Putt during the weekend. On the Saturday four rounds of 9 holes will be played and a further 18 holes on Sunday morning. The gala dinner is arranged for Saturday evening with the internationally famous Peking Roast Duck on the menu.

During the award giving ceremony. The winner will receive the first Beijing Open Trophy, and prizes for the three best players classified in the Overall, Ladies, Seniors and possibly Juniors categories – Scratch. The Chinese Pitch & Putt Association will present each player with special diploma for participating in this historic event. After the farewell lunch at the club, we will have plenty of time to pack the cases and leave for the airport to catch the night flight back home via Frankfurt arriving quite early on the morning of Monday 25th. May.

This is, without any doubt, a chance of a lifetime occasion to play in such a special tournament. With all meals and visits included and with the services of expert guides it will be a truly memorable experience. By way of example, the cost per person sharing a double room is estimated at 1,800 Euros from Barcelona. In order to obtain the best possible price from other European departure airports, national associations are asked to coordinate reservations so the FIPPA secretariat can make group flight bookings through one official agency. For those wishing to make their own flight arrangements, the total cost from arrival in Beijing to departure is calculated to be 1,100 Euros. The Open entry fee of 30 Euros, Embassy charges for Visas, extra travel insurance and gratuities for coach drivers and guides are not included.

Further information can be obtained from:
FIPPA - Martin Whitelaw - Whitelaw@intercomgi.com
Preliminary Tournament Information for the first ever Beijing Open can be found here...
Beijing International Open Tournament Information

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