IT’S BEEN AN EVENTFUL YEAR FOR THOMPSON GOLF MANAGEMENT (TGM) THUS FAR
After the successful hosting of the SEA Games at the Garden City Golf Club in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where talented golfers from Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia clinched victory, we set our sights on a grander stage. TGM was privileged to be a central part of the 19th Asian Games held at the iconic Westlake Golf Club in Hangzhou, China.
THE GRAND OPENING CEREMONY
On September 23, 2023, President Xi Jinping inaugurated the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, drawing athletes from 45 countries and territories and featuring a wide array of sports, including golf. The ceremony was a spectacular affair that not only captivated the nation but also aimed to uplift the spirits of the entire country. With an 80,000-seat stadium filled with enthusiastic spectators, the atmosphere was electric as President Xi took center stage alongside esteemed dignitaries, including International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. This event showcased the magnitude of the Asian Games, a gathering that outstrips the Olympics in terms of participation and diversity of sports.
The 2023 Asian Games provided a unique opportunity for sports enthusiasts to witness events rarely seen at the Summer Olympics. From thrilling dragon boat races to the mesmerizing sepaktakraw (kick volleyball) and the artistry of wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art – the Games had it all. And, of course, golf enthusiasts had their share of excitement as well.
THE TRANSFORMATION OF WESTLAKE GOLF CLUB
Westlake Golf Club, designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, was chosen as the venue for the golf competitions at the 2023 Asian Games. The course, which opened its doors to golf enthusiasts in 1993, had established itself as a premier destination for avid golfers across Asia. However, by 2021, it was evident that the course needed rejuvenation to meet the evolving standards of championship golf.
COURSE UPDATES AND MODERNIZATION
The course renovation was not merely cosmetic. Westlake Golf Club underwent significant changes to adapt to the demands of modern golf. Key improvements included:
• Clearing vegetation to restore lost design features and vistas.
• Rebuilding tee boxes and expanding sizes and orientation to accommodate the modern golfer.
• Reconstructing greens to meet USGA standards.
• Freshening and repositioning bunkers.
• Extending the course by nearly 300 yards to challenge the longer hitters.
• Combining and expanding tees for member play, providing more options while ensuring ease of maintenance.
THE GRAND FINALE
The week of the Asian Games was a testament to the incredible transformation of Westlake Golf Club and the dedication of the TGM team. As the world’s top golfers competed on this iconic course, spectators witnessed thrilling moments and unforgettable performances.
As we look forward to future golfing events and continue our commitment to excellence, TGM remains dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of golf courses worldwide, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
Follow us for more updates on our endeavors in the world of golf management and our commitment to creating exceptional golfing experiences.
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