Great news for golf fans in the world's most populous country: playing the sport of golf is no longer a criminal act in China.
China has has a topsy-turvy relationship with the sport, which is one of the most nakedly capitalist sports on the planet. Tom Phillips in today's Guardian explains China's complicated relationship with the sport - it was banned by Mao, experienced a resurgence after his death as the country began to embrace capitalism, but was banned last year by president Xi Jingping (pictured above in Croke Park with a hurl) in an effort to stem corruption.
“Golf can satisfy some officials’ vanity, corrupting their lifestyle, which can lead to damage to the Party’s image and the erosion of officials’ ability to serve,” said one academic last year.
But perhaps after seeing the likes of Danny Willett win the Masters after starting his career on a public course, China has changed its mind again on golf.
"There is no right or wrong about playing golf, as it's just a sport," a Chinese anti-corruption agency said this week. Tell that to Jordan Speith.
Rory McIlroy played Tiger Woods in the forgotten Match at Mission Hills in China.
