Sanya uses junior golf to pitch itself as a family resort destination

The AJGA International Pathway Series returned to Sanya for a fourth straight year Sept. 18-20, bringing 120 junior golfers from multiple countries and regions to the Hainan resort city. The event highlights how Sanya is using golf to draw international players and their families beyond the course.

Why it matters: - Sanya is trying to turn junior golf into broader tourism spending by showing visiting players and families a destination built around beaches, resorts, dining, shopping and outdoor activities. - The AJGA International Pathway Series gives international junior players a pathway into the wider AJGA competitive system, making the Sanya stop more than a one-off tournament. - The event also reinforces Sanya’s positioning as a tropical sports-and-leisure destination, not just a beach city.

What happened: - The 2026 AJGA International Pathway Series Sanya event ran from Sept. 18 to 20 in Sanya, Hainan, China. - One hundred twenty junior golfers from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, Canada, Japan and other countries and regions took part. - The Sanya Tourism Board served as an Official Supporting Partner. - The event returned to Sanya for a fourth consecutive year. - The boys’ and girls’ champions each earned full exempt status.

The details: - The tournament was staged against Sanya’s tropical backdrop of palm trees, hills and the South China Sea. - The organizing committee recognized Sanya as the “Best Junior Golf Destination” this year. - The AJGA is one of the most established junior golf platforms. - The IPS is designed to help international players move into the broader AJGA system. - Sanya is located at the southern end of Hainan Island. - Beyond golf, visitors can access beachfront resorts, tropical landscapes, water sports, wellness, local dining and duty-free shopping. - The city is also promoting diving, sailing, nature, family activities and shopping as part of its wider tourism offer. - Eligible travelers from 61 countries can enter Hainan visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism and sports competitions.

Between the lines: - The repeated staging of the event suggests Sanya has built the facilities and event infrastructure needed to host international junior sports. - The tourism board’s backing shows how local officials are using sports events as a direct marketing channel to reach families and future repeat visitors. - The pitch is simple: golf gets visitors to Sanya, but the wider resort experience is meant to keep them there longer and bring them back later.

What’s next: - Sanya is likely to keep using golf events to introduce the city to international players, coaches and families. - The long-term bet is that some first-time junior visitors will return later as adult players, family travelers or repeat tourists. - The city’s broader tourism push may continue to lean on visa access and sports events to attract overseas visitors.

The bottom line: - Sanya is treating junior golf as a gateway to a larger travel economy, not just a sporting weekend.