Golf Inc. Praises Chu?s Stewardship of Massive Club?s Golf, Hospitality, Real Estate Operations
(SHENZHEN, China) – Mission Hills Golf Club – the world’s largest collection of premier golf courses with 12 layouts designed by many of the greatest golfers and golf course architects from five continents – today announces that Dr. Kenneth Chu, Vice Chairman, Mission Hills Group, has been recognized as a “Most Admired Operator” in Golf Inc.’s May issue.
Chu’s ranking occurs in the first year Golf Inc.’s annual list was expanded to include golf operator positions outside of the United States.
Mission Hills encompasses more than 4,500 acres (the size of five Central Parks), yet runs with exceptional efficiency thanks to the efforts of Chu, his father Dr. David Chu, his brother Tenniel and their staff of 7,500. Chu’s responsibilities include oversight of the property’s golf, hospitality and residential components.
Founded in 1992, Mission Hills is a full-service, luxury resort, featuring three clubhouses, four spas, a 315-room, five-star hotel, 51 tennis courts, three golf academies and numerous fine dining establishments serving cuisine from around the world. It is also home to perhaps the most desirable residences in China, some selling for as much as $20 million. Mission Hills has hosted more than 50 international tournaments, including the 1995 World Cup of Golf and the Tiger Woods China Challenge in 2001, and its Olazabal Course will annually test the world’s best through 2018 for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
Last year, Mission Hills hosted more than 600,000 rounds of golf. Despite an enormous volume of play, Chu and his team have developed processes to ensure seamless operation of the club. For example:
“On a peak day about 3,000 golfers play our 12 courses,” says Chu. “Thus, there are 6,000 bags coming and going which have to be coordinated with our fleet of 1,800 golf carts and 3,000 caddies and delivered to the right course at the right time. This enterprise is very similar to airport baggage management from a logistical standpoint. Our team devised an ingenious system to tackle the issue and we’re very proud of the success it’s enjoyed.”
A graduate of the University of Western Ontario in 1996, Chu became the youngest honorary doctorate recipient in school history in 2007. As China’s golf boom continues, he sees Mission Hills’ status evolving just as quickly.
“Mission Hills has grown beyond a golf club – it’s a golf destination,” says Chu. “We’ve embraced our role as the epicenter of golf in the world’s fastest growing economy and welcome all guests to Mission Hills to indulge in an unforgettable experience.”
About Mission Hills
Stretching across the lush, rolling hills of Shenzhen and Dongguan in southern China, Mission Hills is China’s highest rated golf club, and the largest golf club in the world. The property is home to 12 resort and championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Pete Dye and Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt (Schmidt-Curley Design) in conjunction with many of the world’s greatest golfers including: Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Jose Maria Olazabal, Nick Faldo, David Duval, and Annika Sorenstam. Mission Hills is a full-service, luxury resort, featuring four spas, a 315-room, five-star hotel, 51 tennis courts and numerous fine dining establishments serving cuisine from around the world. It has hosted more than 50 international tournaments, including the 1995 World Cup of Golf. The Olazabal Course is home of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup through 2018. For more information visit www.missionhillsgroup.com.
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
704.519.8381 (cell)
ssharp@billycaspergolf.com
Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo Communications
703.761.1444
sreynolds@billycaspergolf.com
