People practice woodball at the base in Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: hzsports]

Hangzhou's first rural woodball base has opened its doors at the Shuangpu Town Community School, marking the beginning of a new era in woodball sports promotion in the region.

Woodball, a sport originating from golf but with lower equipment and technique requirements, is gaining popularity as a recreational activity. Chen Rong, president of the Zhejiang Woodball Association and a professor at Zhejiang University of Technology, highlighted the shift towards promoting woodball in rural areas as part of the Beautiful Countryside project.

The woodball base, set to commence classes in spring 2024, aims to provide free access to villagers, offering guidance from professional referees and coaches. This initiative aims to create a convenient fitness center within reach of rural communities.

Woodball involves striking a solid wooden ball with a club resembling a bottle, with the objective of getting the ball through the goal with the fewest strokes. Known as golf for the general public, woodball has gained popularity in over 40 countries and regions worldwide, with various international events such as the Woodball World Cup and the Asian Beach Games Woodball Competition.

People practice woodball at the base in Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: hzsports]