China has an extensive and snaking history with golf where the sport is not only considered luxury, but also taboo. 

Recorded as early as 1000AD, Chuiwan was an ancient Chinese game reminiscent of modern golf. Played with clubs, balls, and strict etiquette, the objective was to drive the balls into various hand-dug pits. Although there is no concise origin of golf, many believe this game traveled along the silk road with much influence.

Moving forward from this simplistic game, Mao Zedong banned golf in 1949, condemning it as too bourgeois for a country seeking fairness.

Golf remained banned in China until the mid-1980s but the idea of golf being an amenity of the affluent still exists today, hence many Chinese golf courses double as resorts with lavish villas. Despite this context, golf has become increasingly popular, especially in the modern era and regardless of the government's restrictions.

In 2004 the Chinese Government made a law that banned the building of new golf courses in order to protect farmers' land and to limit environmental impact. In 2004 there were about 170 golf courses throughout all of China. By the end of 2013 there were over 600 golf courses. 

With national golf champions like 12-year old Ye Wocheng, golf is clearly becoming more popular with the younger generations in China. The plethora of golf courses and high-level competitions prove golf's success in China in model Chinese fashion.

March 30-April 5 boasts the Buick Open in Haikou, the official beginning of the 2015 PGA TOUR China Series. This year the series includes 13 tournaments, one more than previous years, and concludes in November in Shenzhen with the CTS Tycoon Championship Nov 23-29.

On April 23-26 Shanghai will host the Volvo China Open, a men's golf event held annually since 1995 with a champion's prize of $540,000.

On Sept 18-20 Tianjin will host the Pacific Links China Championship as part of PGA's Champions Tour.

And Shanghai will host the much anticipated fourth event in the World Golf Championships on Nov. 5-8, the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament as well as BMW Masters on Nov. 12-15.

China is quickly becoming a leader in the international golf community. Plan your visit to China now and experience exclusive access to the top-notch golf events, culture, and luxury that only Imperial Tours can offer.