The China Golf Association's (CGA) ambition to develop the sport to the world's elite level took a major step forward with the launch of the China Amateur Golf Futures Tour (GFT) yesterday.

The GFT is a major part of the CGA's efforts to improve the game at the grassroots level.

"It's a tour for all of China's teenage players and amateurs," said Zhang Xiaoning, vice-president of the CGA. "It will be more fundamental than other tournaments in China."

China has a professional tour and attracts a number of Asian, European and US PGA tour events each year.

But Zhang said the nation was in need of tournaments at the lower levels of the game.

"We have pro tournaments every year but we do not have enough events for amateurs and teenagers," Zhang said.

"Lots of good, young players do not have the opportunity to play competitively."

Zhang said the GFT will enrich the game in China and get more people involved in the sport.

"The GFT will serve as a bridge for teenagers on their way to a professional career," Zhang said.

"Golf powerhouses like the US and some European countries have had great success after years of effort at the lower levels. Even Tiger Woods developed through experiences at amateur events.

"We have every reason to pay extra attention to the GFT."

According to the plan, the GFT's 2009 season will feature events in Beijing and Shenzhen.

From next year, the tour will comprise five tournaments and a finale. That number is expected to increase in following years as the Tour becomes more established.

Although China has become a destination for elite tournaments like the Volvo China Open, the World Cup and the HSBC Championship, Zhang said the country did not just want to host eye-catching international events.

"We do not want to stand aside and see them (world's top players) play," said Zhang. "We want to have our own tours and our own stars."

Apart from increasing investment in amateur golf, the CGA, along with the South Korean and Australian PGAs, launched the OneAsia Tour late last year to give the sport a regional shot in the arm.

"If we want to give more chances to our own players, we must have our own tournaments.

"Our aim is to have OneAsia Tour events in China instead of Asian Tour tournaments," Zhang said.

"Generally, we don't get enough benefits from the Asian Tour."