Office Caps the Firm’s 15-Year Presence in Asia, Cements Industry Position as a Global Leader in Golf Course Design
(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) – Schmidt-Curley Design – the full-service golf-course architecture, master-planning and construction-management firm – today announces the opening of its new Asian headquarters in Haikou, Hainan Island, China.
With an established 15-year presence in the Asian golf industry, the satellite office will provide Schmidt-Curley with greater administrative and logistic support for its ever-increasing portfolio of overseas projects. Richard Mon, a ten-year veteran of the firm, will oversee and manage all operations and design projects. Mon, fluent in Chinese, holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from Arizona State University.
"Richard Mon brings an incredible amount of energy and experience to our Asian office," says Brian Curley. "Richard is well-versed in our operations and has played a major role in our ability to capitalize on the Far East’s golf boom over the last ten years."
"I look forward to taking the reins of the Haikou office and leading Schmidt-Curley Design to even greater heights on the Asian golf course design scene," says Mon.
Immediate staffing plans for the Haikou office include the addition of a half-dozen C.A.D. operators to provide services for both the China and Scottsdale offices. An additional four middle-management positions will also be filled by Chinese Nationals with extensive golf experience.
"With the production capabilities of our two offices, we are able to provide professional services around the clock, offering unparalleled client attention," says Lee Schmidt. "When something is needed tomorrow, it can easily be done."
Recently named runner-up in "Best Golf Course Architect in Asia," Schmidt-Curley has produced many award-winning Asian projects. Amata Spring G.C. in Chonburi, Thailand was named Asian Golf Monthly’s Best New Course in Asia for 2006, and for the third straight year will host The Royal Trophy, a "Ryder Cup" format competition, involving teams from Europe and Asia, captained by Seve Ballesteros and Jumbo Ozaki, respectively.
Other acclaimed Schmidt-Curley credits include Agile C.C. (North Course) in Zhongshan, China, named one of the top five courses in China by Golf Digest in 2004, and Chiang Mai Highlands G.C., the # 3 course in Asian Golf Monthly’s 2006 "Best New Course" ranking.
In perhaps their most impressive work-to-date, Schmidt-Curley teamed with golf legends such as Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, and Annika Sorenstam to craft 10 of the 12 courses at Mission Hills G.C. in Shenzhen, China, the world’s largest golf complex. Utilizing their background in land planning golf course developments, and partnered with sister company Flagstick Golf Course Construction Management, Schmidt-Curley was responsible for the entire golf and residential master plan for Mission Hills (one of the largest golf course construction projects in history).
The challenges an owner faces to construct a golf course on time, on budget, and to world-class standards are daunting, which makes Flagstick’s range of services invaluable. Flagstick’s pre-construction preparation ensures that clients will have a precise understanding of the overall construction process, which reduces the inherent risks involved in the project and maximizes efficiency and project execution, making it more rewarding for all involved. Additionally, Flagstick’s ability to manage the myriad administrative tasks associated in any golf course construction project, such as staffing, budgeting and scheduling, is unmatched.
Schmidt-Curley is presently engaged with projects in South Korea, China, Thailand, and Vietnam, the latter of which will be featured as part of the new Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail, near the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.
For more information, visit www.schmidt-curley.com or call 480-483-1994.
About Schmidt-Curley Design, Inc.
Founded by partners Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley and based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Schmidt-Curley is a full-service, international golf-course architecture and master-planning firm with more than 100 layouts in 24 countries, including the U.S., Thailand, China, Sweden, Vietnam, Mexico, Egypt, and Korea. The tandem is responsible for crafting 10 of the 12 courses at storied Mission Hills Golf Resort in Shenzhen, China – the largest golf complex in the world.
At Mission Hills, Schmidt-Curley teamed with long-time partner Nick Faldo, as well as Ernie Els, Jose Maria Olazabal, David Duval, Annika Sorenstam, Vijay Singh, David Ledbetter and Jumbo Ozaki to create a golf experience unlike any other globally. Other high profile, award-winning projects from Schmidt-Curley include Bali Hai and Siena Golf Clubs (Las Vegas), Amata Spring Golf Club (Chonburi, Thailand, host of The Royal Trophy), Twin Creeks Golf Club (Cedar Park, Texas), and Crosby National Golf Club (Rancho Santa Fe, California).
Schmidt-Curley has also worked extensively with golf’s biggest names – including Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Fred Couples and Faldo on numerous high-profile projects. Producing demanding yet beautiful and enjoyable courses, Schmidt-Curley strives to create golf experiences that stir the senses and elevate golfers’ appreciations for the land and the game. By balancing classic golf course architecture with ever-changing contemporary technology, Schmidt-Curley places an emphasis on site-adaptive courses, memorable and enjoyable for all levels of play and always designed for cost-efficient maintenance and operations.
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
704.519.8381 (cell)
ssharp@billycaspergolf.com
Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo Communications
703.761.1444
sreynolds@billycaspergolf.com