Amenity-Laden resort, Blackstone Course draw rave reviews as first year host
(HAIKOU, China) – Mission Hills China’s new resort – Mission Hills Hainan – drew rave reviews from competitors as first-time host of golf’s 56th World Cup.
The American team of Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland took the trophy with a final-round five-under-par 67 best ball score. The duo finished at 24-under, besting England and Germany by two shots.
With the victory, they became the first Americans to win the World Cup since Tiger Woods and David Duval in 2000.
“It felt like it was something similar to the Olympics,” says Kuchar. “That’s as close as I think anybody in golf has been able to feel up until this point.”
“We had a great time,” adds Woodland. “It was an honor to represent our country, and it’s just a bonus to come out and play well.”
Mission Hills made special accommodations for the Americans to enjoy all the trappings of a traditional Thanksgiving, with a Chinese twist of karaoke.
“It was nice,” says Woodland. “We are obviously a long way from home and our families, so it was nice to get together with a bunch of friends to celebrate. Never had karaoke at Thanksgiving, so that was something new.”
“We have been treated so well here,” says Kuchar. “This has just been a fantastic week. We have been made to feel like we are at home. The resort is fantastic.”
Competitors had many compliments for the host resort and Blackstone Course.
“It’s a great test,” says Graeme McDowell of the Blackstone, named GOLF Magazine’s “Best New” Asia course for 2010. “It’s not very difficult off the tee, but you’ve got to be very precise with your iron shots coming into these small, undulating greens. It’s in great condition this week and really is a top-class golf course.”
“The golf course is fun,” adds Justin Rose. “It’s really fun to stay onsite. So many things to do, great spa, great pools, [it’s a] good way to relax off the golf course.”
Only 15 minutes from Haikou Meilan International Airport, Mission Hills transformed a landscape of ancient volcanic terrain into a “must visit” destination for golf travelers. Mission Hills Hainan’s 10 courses, all designed by Brian Curley, celebrate design genres and traditions from around the globe.
Other resort amenities include a 518-room five-star hotel; premium clubhouse; an outdoor aquatic theme park; 12 delectable world-class restaurants; state-of-the-art fitness and recreation center; flexible function and meeting rooms; shopping arcade carrying the world’s finest brands; spa facilities with 61 treatment suites, volcanic mineral springs featuring 168 hot and cool springs with ancient-old bathing rituals from five continents; opulent spa villas; resort-themed residential towers and more.
About Mission Hills China
Mission Hills China (www.missionhillschina.com), owner and operator of Mission Hills Shenzhen and Mission Hills Hainan, is the pioneer in China’s fledgling hospitality, sports and leisure industry.
Mission Hills recognized as the leading golf brand in the world and synonymous with high-end, luxurious residences of rare and exquisite design, has created two world-class leisure and wellness resorts. It has held more than 100 international tournaments, including the 1995 World Cup of Golf and the Tiger Woods China Challenge in 2001. In 2007, Mission Hills began its role as host of an unprecedented 12 editions of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
Mission Hills Shenzhen
Stretching across the lush, rolling hills of southern China, Mission Hills Shenzhen is the country’s premier golf club, and also the “World’s Largest Golf Club” as accredited by the Guinness World Records. The property is home to 12 signature courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Annika Sorenstam, Ernie Els, Jose Maria Olazabal, Vijay Singh, David Leadbetter, David Duval, Jumbo Ozaki and Zhang Lian Wei.
Mission Hills Shenzhen is a full-service, luxury resort, featuring four clubhouses, three award-winning spas, two five-star hotel, three golf academies (including one from world-renowned instructor Cindy Reid), Asia’s largest tennis facility with 51 tennis courts and professional tennis academy, and numerous fine restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.
Mission Hills Hainan
Mission Hills Hainan lies in the volcanic region of exotic Hainan Island, China. The resort sets a new standard in leisure, recreation and wellness experiences. Nestled amid lush, green gardens, it caters to golf enthusiasts and comprises specially-designed golf courses, each incorporating native lava rock formations. Other state-of-the-art features include 518 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, a three-story clubhouse, China’s first Hank Haney Golf Academy, meeting facilities, 12 world-class restaurants, a fully-equipped sports and recreation center, Hainan’s only aquatic theme park, therapeutic volcanic mineral springs, a spa oasis, and shopping arcade.
Mission Hills Hainan’s Blackstone Course hosted the inaugural Mission Hills Star Trophy in October 2010, a ground-breaking celebrity pro-am golf tournament for Asia. It will also host the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in November 2011. A magnificent addition to Hainan’s tropical island paradise, Mission Hills Hainan is poised to become the island’s premier sanctuary, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Getting There: Mission Hills Shenzhen is a 45-minute drive from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Mission Hills Hainan is 15 minutes from Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK). Flights from major cities throughout Asia — including Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore — to Haikou are available.
Contact:
Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3509
sreynolds@buffalocommunications.com
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