Fergus Ryan writes:
In his revealing and fascinating book, Washburn looks at China’s recent development through the lens of a game that was denounced by Chairman Mao as a “sport for millionaires” when the Communists took control in 1949, and was completely banned until 1984.
“Golf is a topic that touches on a lot of issues at the heart of what China’s going through at this stage of its development,” Washburn told China Spectator.
“It’s a barometer for economic growth but it’s also a symbol for the environmental issues the country faces, of the gap between rich and poor that is growing wider everyday. It allows you to talk about the kind of Wild West real estate development that’s happening, and then of course it’s got its fair share of political corruption and intrigue.”
Read the rest here.