--- title: China Revokes Ban on Communist Party Cadres Playing Golf description: Once denounced by Mao Zedong as a “sport for millionaires,” golf is no longer forbidden among China’s Communist Party members elite canonical: https://time.com/4293498/china-golf-sport-corruption-graft-communist-party/ author: Charlie Campbell article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2016-04-14T09:45:17.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-02-22T16:43:52.579Z article:section: World og:title: China's Communist Party Cadres Can Play Golf Again og:description: Once denounced by Mao Zedong as a “sport for millionaires,” golf is no longer forbidden among China’s Communist Party members elite og:url: https://time.com/4293498/china-golf-sport-corruption-graft-communist-party/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltffb22df9416114ad/69888f19e20a877965a9068f/gettyimages-519242360.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: GOLF-US-MASTERS-PRACTICE og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: China's Communist Party Cadres Can Play Golf Again twitter:description: Once denounced by Mao Zedong as a “sport for millionaires,” golf is no longer forbidden among China’s Communist Party members elite twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltffb22df9416114ad/69888f19e20a877965a9068f/gettyimages-519242360.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # China's Communist Party Cadres Can Play Golf Again > Sponsored content. 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The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. 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Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=19130328-85cf-49d7-af59-2290d58c470d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=19130328-85cf-49d7-af59-2290d58c470d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=19130328-85cf-49d7-af59-2290d58c470d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=19130328-85cf-49d7-af59-2290d58c470d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=19130328-85cf-49d7-af59-2290d58c470d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=19130328-85cf-49d7-af59-2290d58c470d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=19130328-85cf-49d7-af59-2290d58c470d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=19130328-85cf-49d7-af59-2290d58c470d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional)  by [Charlie Campbell / Beijing](https://time.com/author/charlie-campbell/)  ## Charlie Campbell / Beijing Editor at Large Apr 14, 2016 9:45 AM UTC  China's Jin Cheng hits out of a bunker during a practice round prior to the start of the 80th Masters Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 5, 2016 China's Jin Cheng hits out of a bunker during a practice round prior to the start of the 80th Masters Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on April 5, 2016Don Emmert—AFP/Getty Images  by [Charlie Campbell / Beijing](https://time.com/author/charlie-campbell/)  ## Charlie Campbell / Beijing Editor at Large Apr 14, 2016 9:45 AM UTC Once denounced by Mao Zedong as a “sport for millionaires,” golf is no longer forbidden among China’s governing elite — somewhat fittingly for a nation that now boasts the most [billionaires](http://www.cnbc.com/2016/02/24/china-has-more-billionaires-than-us-report.html) in the world. Last year, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) banned its 88 million members from playing golf, cognizant that the sport’s image as a crucible for shady business deals chaffed with President Xi Jinping’s sweeping anticorruption drive. (Other proscribed activities include extravagant eating and drinking and purchasing “moon cakes” with public funds.) On Tuesday, however, the official newspaper of China’s anticorruption agency, the _Discipline Inspection and Supervision News_, revoked the golf ban, saying, “There is no right or wrong about playing golf,” as it is “only a sport.” While CCP cadres are still forbidden from accepting course memberships and other golf-related perks as gifts, members roughing it out on their own dime would no longer be in breach of party rules. “Playing golf itself is not a wrongdoing,” [reports](http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/epaper/2016-04/13/content%5F24506959.htm) the _China Daily._ The golf ban netted a slew of victims. In September, 60 state employees were punished for spending public funds on golf, [reports](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-34600544) the BBC. A month later, the vice mayor of a southern Chinese town was [sacked](http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-china-corruption-golf-idUKKCN0RV3U320151001) for playing excessive golf while paying suspiciously discounted membership fees. China’s relationship with golf has been anything but simple, and reality has seldom reflected the rules. Though golf was banned in 1949 in the wake of China’s communist revolution, the sport began to boom in the 1980s following the economic and social reforms initiated by then leader Deng Xiaoping. In 2004, China announced a ban on building new golf facilities. Even so, the number of courses had more than doubled to 600 by 2015, with many local authorities yearning after the tourism dollars golf resorts attracted. Increasingly, it is environmental impact rather than perceived venality that make many Chinese rail against the game. With over 40% of China’s arable land [degraded](http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-soil-idUSKBN0IO0Y720141104), and 80% of underground wells [polluted](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-36022538) to the point of being unfit even for bathing, channeling depleted resources to golf courses appears imprudent to say the least. Last March, 66 illegally built courses were [shuttered](http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-03/30/c%5F134110941.htm). According to Dominic Wall, Asia-Pacific director for the Royal and Ancient, golf’s international governing body, efforts are being made to lessen the footprint of new courses in China. “There are waste areas and old mining sites that could be enhanced significantly by having a golf course on them,” he tells TIME. Golf’s demographic in China is also changing. Following the sport’s acceptance into this summer’s Rio Olympic Games, government interest and investment has sparked a new generation of stars. Eighteen-year-old Beijinger Jin Cheng played in this month’s U.S. Masters at Augusta, Ga., following his victory in the 2015 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. “There are programs going into schools, regional provincial associations are setting up development programs,” says Wall. “I think now you are seeing a totally different demographic coming into the sport.” CCP members may have to wait in line to get their club memberships back. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4293498/china-golf-sport-corruption-graft-communist-party/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4293498/china-golf-sport-corruption-graft-communist-party/"},"headline":"China's Communist Party Cadres Can Play Golf Again","datePublished":"2016-04-14T09:45:17.000Z","dateModified":"2026-02-22T16:43:52.579Z","description":"The sport is soaring in popularity following its inclusion in this year's Rio Olympic Games","url":"https://time.com/4293498/china-golf-sport-corruption-graft-communist-party/","keywords":["sport","China","corruption","Xi Jinping","golf","Communist Party"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltffb22df9416114ad/69888f19e20a877965a9068f/gettyimages-519242360.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Charlie Campbell / Beijing"}],"articleSection":"World","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltffb22df9416114ad/69888f19e20a877965a9068f/gettyimages-519242360.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"GOLF-US-MASTERS-PRACTICE","caption":"GOLF-US-MASTERS-PRACTICE","creditText":"Don Emmert—AFP/Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/world/","name":"World"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4293498/china-golf-sport-corruption-graft-communist-party/","name":"China's Communist Party Cadres Can Play Golf Again"}}]}] ```