The first “Simpsons Heritage Lounge” is based at Nanjing’s “Zhongshan International Golf Resort” situated in the heartland of China’s prosperous Jiangsu Province. Zhongshan was chosen as one of Golf Digest’s top ten courses in 2015 and will be host of the much coveted China PGA tournament later this month but the trusting relationship between Simpsons Golf Shop and the Zhongshan Golf resort management is what clinched the deal.
Also, Zhongshan International Golf Resort is the oldest golf course in China since its establishment in 1934.
The formal opening of the Simpsons Heritage Lounge was timed to coincide with the China Golf Media Group’s 5th AGM, taking place at Zhongshan, which guaranteed the widest possible TV, radio and Internet coverage to hundreds of millions of Chinese golfers and travellers throughout China. Around 40 key directors and editors from China’s top magazines and TV golf channels were in attendance.
The new venture is a partnership between Simpsons Golf Shop, the Zhongshan International Golf resort and Pro Simon - one of China’s most successful independent golf wear brands and e-commerce golf channels.
Dave Valentine owner of Simpsons Golf Shop commented “this is our first major step in bringing Simpsons to China and telling the story of the Simpson family’s role in the development of competitive world golf. Through this initiative, Simpsons will also promote Carnoustie as a place to visit and learn more about the rich golfing heritage the town has to offer its visitors”. The Simpsons Heritage Lounge is situated next to the players locker rooms so it is in a convenient position for players to drop in before or after their game.
Dave Valentine added “this is a completely new concept. Similar to a franchise, each Simpsons Heritage Lounge will incorporate some key features including a whisky and coffee bar where players can learn more about the origins of club making and development of golf as an industry as well as a competitive sport. So the lounge features a heritage “Simpsons wall of fame” with information about Robert Simpson and his brothers (Archie, Jack and David) who became famous during the Opens played between 1883 and 1902”.
The 400 or so affluent members of the prestigious Zhongshan resort will view several framed photo sets displayed on the walls of the lounge as a tribute to the Simpsons family and have access to information about the history of Carnoustie as a world class golfing destination.
Various films we produced last year with Mr Li Weijian, celebrity host of the China Golf Channel will also be available for members to watch in the lounge while choosing from a range of high end products which they can order online”
The new venture will focus mainly on bespoke products including hand crafted hickory golf clubs made by the St Andrews Golf Company; crystal decanters and whisky tumblers; as well as silver trophies and gift sets all bearing the distinctive Simpsons dome logo.
Dave Valentine added “ our Simpsons Heritage Lounge brand has its own distinctive logo. We have already been approached by other resorts interested in duplicating the lounge and providing added value for their members but Zhongshan will always be our mothership. We have designed the concept so that each lounge will feature the name of the resort and can be duplicated easily for each new resort.”
Ms Julia Zhang, Vice General Manager of the five star Zhongshan International Golf resort said \" 2016 is the 10 year’s anniversary of Zhongshan Golf. So now is the time for us to reach another milestone in the history of our club. This is especially important for Zhongshan which already has the privilege of being the oldest Chinese golf club.
We are grateful to David Valentine for his friendship and help in making our dream come true. Because of the link with Simpsons – the second oldest golf shop in the world - we are now more connected with the “Home of World Golf”. We truly value this link with Scotland - the mecca of Scottish golf culture. All of us at Zhongshan Golf resort feel the establishment of the first Simpsons Heritage Lounge is the most exciting event of the year and will be a historic milestone for the future”
Mr Simon Sung, owner of Pro Simon added “ Zhongshan in Nanjing is a key location for us because this ancient city played such a historic role as the capital of South China. Today it is the most prestigious golf resort in the region and given its status, Zhongshan will have a great influence on the China’s golfing community. So I\'m certain that our venture will provide great excitement for the growing number of Chinese golfers interested in learning more about the origins of the game. The concept behind the Simpson’s Heritage Lounge is to provide an informal meeting place where golfers can learn more about the history and culture of golf and where they can choose from an exclusive range of bespoke golf related products from Scotland – the home of world golf”.
I must applaud Zhongshan for having the vision to be the first location and I look forward to working with Simpsons and Zhongshan to provide our customers with a memorable and enjoyable Scottish golf culture experience.”
Photo showing Dave Valentine owner of Simpsons Golf Shop Ltd with Mr Victor Chen, Vic e General Manager of Sunning Hotel Management Group at Zhomgshan International Golf resort, Nanjing China PRC for the opening on 10 a.m. 6th June
Simpsons Golf Shop Ltd.
Simpsons Golf Shop is a quality retailer of golfwear, golf accessories, souvenirs, golf memorabilia, antique and new hickory golf clubs, Limited edition Crystal and glass engravings by artist Alexis Valentine, Donald Shearer Golf limited edition prints (including Ryder Cup course), tartan gift merchandise, golf trophies, and jewellery.
