Women golfers share their secrets with students

Golf players Sophie Walker, Florentyna Parker, Amy Boulden, Caroline Martens, Ann-Kathrin Lindner and Carin Koch came to the driving range to pass down skills with a variety of clubs and then took part in an accuracy competition with young Chinese golfers.

The golfers were also asked to share with the youngsters their secrets of success in the game.

"You have to practice a lot to be good at golf," said Koch. "It's a hard game but a fun one when you learn it properly."

Walker said not trying to hit the ball too hard was very important.

Parker said exploring as many sports as possible was a great way for youngsters to find their way naturally to the sport that suited their skills and added that she hoped this would be golf for those gathered.

Lindner said it was important for children to realize early on that staying healthy and working on their fitness was a life-long commitment.

Martens, meanwhile, said her secret was her "good rhythm and tempo" and then pointed out that the three golden rules: Practice, practice and practice.

"These players share our commitment to growing the game in China and throughout Asia and that's why they generously gave their time today to help show these children a little about what makes this game so great. Who knows, maybe there was a future world No 1 out there in the crowd." said Mission Hills Group Vice-chairman Tenniel Chu.

He also hoped that the children gathered there would be inspired by the experience to pick up a golf club.

The World Ladies Championship was held at Mission Hills Haikou from March 12 to 15, attracting more than 100 golfers, including 17 Chinese players, from all over the world, including world No 2 Inbee Park and world No 8 So Yeon Ryu of South Korea, China's Janet Lin Xiyu, and Norway's world No 5 Suzann Pettersen.