'Big Brother' lends helping hand

Charitable owner of Zhengzhou club happy to assist struggling players

"Big Brother Fan" watched over his flock at the Asia Pacific Classic on Sunday, but didn't get the result he was hoping for.

Fan Zhiqiang, founder of St. Andrews Golf Club in Zhengzhou, Henan province, has hosted the China Tour for the past eight years and earned his familial moniker by providing financial assistance to many Chinese golfers.

He even offered a Chinese champion extra prize money out of his own pocket last week, but American John Catlin walked away with the $54,000 winner's check on Sunday after posting a 16-under total for a two-stroke victory.

Huang Wenyi, who finished tied for eighth at 9-under, was the best of the home hopes at the co-sanctioned Asian Tour event.

"I talked to many of the domestic players who played the Asia Pacific this year," Fan said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

"If any one of them could win, as the boss of the golf club, apart from the official prize money from the China Tour, I was willing to give them extra prize money on behalf of myself and the club."

St. Andrews has been something of a springboard for Chinese pros over the years, with world No 49 Li Haotong heading an illustrious list of players who registered their first career win here.

"Chinese players are familiar with my club, so they have less pressure," said Fan. "Over the last seven years on the China Tour here, I witnessed five Chinese champions.

"When I see Chinese players win the title here and go on to bigger international platforms, I feel that it's all worth it."

Fan's generosity stems from his understanding of the pro grind in China, with travel, registration and accommodation expenses all taking their toll on players' bank accounts.

"Although golf is an affordable and accessible sport for more and more people, playing pro tournaments is not cheap," he said.

"Without economic support, playing in tournaments can be a very difficult thing."

Wu Tuxuan, the only homegrown winner on the China Tour this season, can testify to that. Even after claiming the first victory of his career in Kunming last month, Wu still slummed it in a 100 yuan-($16)-a-night hotel in a neighboring county last week.

"I thought about retirement and starting a new life at the beginning of this season," said the 32-year-old, who finished at even par on Sunday. "But I felt in good condition this year, so I continued. I just want to enjoy it more now."