Liang appointment highlights China’s role in world golf

（People's Daily Online）  13:44, July 15, 2013  

Written by David Ferguson

China’s growing importance in the world of golf was highlighted this week when the country’s top golfer, Liang Wenchong, was appointed to the position of R&A Ambassador for golf, joining only two other golfers in the world who have been granted this honor – the double major-winning Irishman Pádraig Harrington and Norwegian LPGA star Suzann Pettersen. The ‘R&A’ – full title The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews – is the oldest golfing society in the world, and the governing body for the sport.

The appointment was announced on the eve of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open Championship at Castle Stuart in Inverness, where Liang Wenchong played on Thursday and Friday. It came as a complete surprise to him, but it is fitting recognition for a man who is well-known to be one of the friendliest and most agreeable personalities on the Tour. His face is generally graced with a smile, whether playing well or suffering the inevitable misfortunes that any golfer will encounter, and as a result he is popular with fans and fellow players alike. As an R&A Ambassador his role is to popularize the sport in his home country, and more importantly, by his own example to teach his countrymen to understand and respect the rules and etiquette of the game.

The Chinese Consul in Scotland, Degang Wan, was present at the ceremony. He commented: “There are many links between China and Scotland and this relationship is further enhanced by our mutual love of golf. This is an excellent new initiative which should help improve knowledge and understanding of the game in China.”