The Third China University Digital Golf Education Development Forum Successfully Held in Yanji

• Representatives from more than 100 universities across China, including Peking University and Beijing Sport University, attended the forum
• Participants discussed educational standardization, industry-academia-research collaboration, and professional talent development in digital golf
• The fourth forum is scheduled to be held in Chengdu, China, in 2027

The Third China University Digital Golf Education Development Forum was successfully held at GOLFZON CITYGOLF Yanji on July 29.

The forum brought together representatives from more than 100 universities across China, including Peking University, Beijing Sport University, Shanghai University of Sport, Tianjin University of Sport, and Yanbian University. Experts, researchers, and faculty members specializing in golf and sports gathered to discuss the future of digital golf education, industry-academia collaboration, and professional talent development.

Distinguished guests included Wang Shuzu, former Vice Mayor of Tianjin and Lifetime Honorary President of the Tianjin Golf Association; Liu Yan, Vice President of Yanbian University; Park Young-jo, Chairman of GOLFZON CHINA; Zhang Lishun, former Party Secretary of Tianjin University of Sport; Liu Baohua, Dean of the School of Social Sports at Tianjin University of Sport; Qin Lizhong, Dean of the School of Physical Education at Yanbian University; Park Kang-soo, CEO of GOLFZON; and Zhang Qiang, President of the Tianjin Golf Association.

The forum highlighted the growing interest in digital golf among sports universities across China and its expanding role as an area of research and practical education within the country’s higher education system. A seminar on the development of a golf education textbook was also held in conjunction with the forum.

In his opening remarks, Liu Yan, Vice President of Yanbian University, emphasized the need to advance educational standardization, industry expansion, the internationalization of tournaments, the development of a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem, and the globalization of talent development within the digital golf industry. “Universities across China should establish consistent educational standards and strengthen channels for industry-academia collaboration,” Liu said. “We must also enhance the entire education process, from curricula and practical training to certification and industry-integrated education, to develop multidisciplinary professionals capable of supporting the continued growth of the digital sports industry.”

Wang Shuzu, former Vice Mayor of Tianjin, called for the expansion of accessible golf facilities, including digital golf venues, to support the broader popularization of the sport. “Golf originated among the public and should ultimately return to the public,” Wang said. “Scientific management practices and digital technologies should be used to reduce the costs of building and operating golf facilities. At the same time, greater efforts should be made to develop golf professionals, improve competitive performance, and broaden participation in the sport.”

Zhang Lishun, former Party Secretary of Tianjin University of Sport, discussed the fundamentals of sports talent development under the theme of diligent learning, thoughtful reflection, and practical application. “The development of the sports industry and talent development at universities should be closely aligned with national strategic priorities,” Zhang said. “Given the strong growth potential of digital golf, universities should incorporate it into their educational systems and develop professionals equipped with the relevant skills and industry knowledge.”

He added that the GOLFZON CHINA Open and GOLFZON CITYGOLF have accumulated valuable experience in connecting the golf industry with regional economies, providing useful models for digital golf education and practical training at universities.

Wang Zefeng, a researcher at the China Institute of Sport Science under the General Administration of Sport of China, emphasized the importance of establishing international standards and strengthening professional talent development to support the sustainable growth of the digital golf industry. “A country’s international influence in sports is reflected in its ability to develop globally recognized tournament intellectual property, industry standards, and rules,” Wang said.

He proposed establishing an International Digital Golf Standards Research Alliance that would bring together universities, research institutions, and industry stakeholders. The alliance would conduct joint research and support the development of standards covering technology, tournaments, education, and certification.

Wang also highlighted the need to expand international exchanges, improve compatibility between Chinese standards and international rules, and strengthen digital golf programs and professional education to establish a solid talent foundation for the industry’s long-term development.

Park Young-jo, Chairman of GOLFZON CHINA, introduced several of the company’s major initiatives, including the Digital Golf on Campus Initiative, the National Plan to Develop One Million Community Clubhouse Golf Facilities, the GOLFZON CITYGOLF project, and the GOLFZON CHINA Open. “The latest wave of technological innovation, centered on artificial intelligence and digital technologies, presents an important opportunity for China’s sports industry to transform and advance,” Park said.

“GOLFZON CHINA will continue to develop innovative digital golf business models and work closely with universities across China to strengthen collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions. Through these efforts, we hope to contribute to the growth of China’s sports industry and the global expansion of Chinese sports culture.”

The forum also featured a series of presentations on the adoption of digital golf in education and the future direction of the industry.

Song Mingchao, General Manager of Operations at GOLFZON CHINA, presented the Digital Golf on Campus Initiative. He introduced GOLFZON’s latest simulator products, community-based venue business models, and the International Digital Golf Skills Grading and Certification System.

Liu Baohua, Dean of the School of Social Sports at Tianjin University of Sport, and He Zhongkai, a Level II Professor at Peking University and founder of the Peking University Golf Association, discussed digital golf education from the perspectives of faculty development and university-based practical training.

Additional presentations were delivered by Zhang Binglin, Dean of Hebei Oriental Golf Industry College; Jin Yinri, Professor at the School of Physical Education at Shanghai University of Sport; Pan Baochang, Chief Scientist at the Pan-American AI Sports Laboratory; and Jiang Shujun, Vice Dean of the School of Sports and Leisure at Chengdu Sport University.

The speakers addressed a wide range of topics, including the role of digital technologies in advancing the golf industry, emerging trends in digital golf, the scientific measurement and analysis of player performance, and approaches to integrating industry and education. Together, the presentations provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of the digital golf industry and its future development.

Forum participants also discussed the importance of policy and industry collaboration in developing the digital sports sector in connection with China’s national strategies, including building a leading sports nation, advancing Digital China, and promoting Healthy China.

Participants called for closer cooperation among government organizations, educational institutions, research organizations, and industry stakeholders to make digital golf more accessible to the public and incorporate it into public sports and health service systems.

They also proposed expanding digital golf across cities, local communities, and university campuses while developing a digitally enabled sports environment that supports broader public participation and healthier lifestyles.

Participants agreed that connecting technology, education, tournaments, and facility operations could help establish a more comprehensive digital golf industry ecosystem and contribute to the continued development of China’s sports economy.

Since the inaugural China University Digital Golf Education Development Forum was held in 2024, the event has served as a platform for discussions on educational standardization, professional talent development, and industry-academia collaboration in digital golf.

Over the past three years, China’s digital sports education and digital golf industry have continued to establish a foundation for further expansion, standardization, and international development.

The Fourth China University Digital Golf Education Development Forum is scheduled to be held in Chengdu in 2027. The next forum is expected to continue discussions on expanding digital golf nationwide, incorporating it into university education, and strengthening collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions.

Moving forward, GOLFZON CHINA will continue to work closely with sports universities, associations, and research institutions across China. Universities will serve as the foundation for professional talent development, while industry environments will provide opportunities for practical education and research.

GOLFZON CHINA also plans to develop its proprietary tournament intellectual property as a platform for promoting digital golf culture and contribute to establishing a digital sports ecosystem that connects education, technology, tournaments, and industry.