Australian Les Browne reports on his visit to the 2026 China Hickory Golf Invitational.
I recently returned from the China Hickory Golf Invitational (April 13-14) just outside Beijing. The event had an international flavor with players from Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Malaysia, the U.S. and Australia in the field of 60. Hickory golf in the Asia Pacific region is expanding with the biggest issue being the availability of suitable clubs. I was convinced to play by my good friend James Feng, the chair of the China Hickory Association, who plays in many of our events ‘down under’.
Hickory golf is certainly on the increase in the Asia Pacific region and with the formation of The Asia Pacific Society of Hickory Golfers three years ago, we are all helping to further the wonderful hickory experience in the area.
The internationals were picked up at the airport, transferred to the 5-Star golf resort and treated like royalty. Days were set aside for sightseeing, which included The Great Wall, Forbidden City, city markets, etc. All of us over 60 had free entry! James and his associates hosted us at local exclusive restaurants to sample such fare as Peking Duck, Mongolian Hot Pot; and after golf, presentation parties went well into the night.
As a first-timer to the city I was overwhelmed by the size of the cities, with 30-story apartment blocks… not just a few, but in groups of over 100. Most surprising was the cost… Our lovely hotel (prices in U.S. dollars) was just $100 / night including breakfast. A large beer in the hotel was $3, and a good dinner $12. Golf at the course was $100/round, which included cart and caddie.
Yes, we did play golf – 18 holes foursomes at the Loxi Hot Springs GC and the 36 holes singles at The Golden Elephant Golf Club. Both top class, but not that hickory friendly, as there were many holes with water carries to greens. Those who decided to play conservatively were rewarded by minimizing the doubles and triples.
China Hickory Association hosts the 2027 Asia Pacific Hickory Championship in April – an event not to be missed.
We are also looking forward to this year’s Asia Pacific Championships in early July, hosted by Brisbane and Royal Queensland Golf Clubs.
Results of the 2026 China Hickory Golf Invitational
Foursomes Results
Men’s Champion: Tang Jingsheng / Liu Ji Cheng
Runner Up: Guo Peng/Bruno Pase,
Net Champion: Zheng Shaopeng/Zheng Gaoyang
Women’s Champion: Angela Lan Bo/Yang Song
Runner Up: Wei Rui Fen/Zong Youyu
Net Champion: Nian Yaying/Wu JianZhong
Singles Results
Men’s Single Championship:: Liu Ji Cheng,
Runner Up: Zheng Shaopeng,
Net Champion: Jeff Wu Yifei,
Women’s Single Champion:: Park Taeh Yun (Korea)
Runner UP: Wei Ru Fen
Net Champion: Angela Lanbo
Men’s Senior Championship: Les Browne (Australia)
Runner Up: James Feng
Net Champion: Bruno Pase (Australia)
Women’s Senior Champion: Yang Song,
Runner UP: Miss DuDu,
Net Champion: Susanne Brown (Australia)
Players pose for a photo before play commences at the 2026 China Hickory Invitational.
A celebratory group photo of the players at the 2026 China Hickory Invitational.
Some of the international players at the 2026 China Hickory Invitational.
There are lots of photos on this link:
https://live.pailixiang.com/album/a12281999855