'Big Brother' lends helping hand

Not for sale

It's all a far cry from the salubrious surroundings of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland, the 29-time host of the British Open and the inspiration behind Fan's club.

"When I visited St. Andrews in Scotland for the first time in 1999, I was totally shocked by the beauty of the club and the culture and history of golf there," said Fan.

"I actually didn't know how to play golf, so I told them that I had back injuries that prevented me from playing. I asked them to take me to visit the club so that I can see and learn with my camera."

Ten years later, St. Andrews Zhengzhou was born.

"I'm familiar with every corner and every tree in the club," said Fan. "When we built the club, I lived in a shed with the workers. We lived together and we worked together.

"Some real-estate company contacted me asking me if I want to sell the golf club to them. You know, in many cases, we are not profitable at all.

"Still, it's not for sale. If one day I'm too old to work, I will only trust this club with someone who really loves golf."