Olazabal course tests WGC-HSBC champions

(L-R): Bubba Watson, Nick Watney, Jason Dufner, Francesco Molinari, Martin Kaymer,?Tenniel Chu, vice chairman of Mission Hills Group, Justin Rose,Dr. Ken Chu, chairman and CEO of Mission Hills Group, Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Phil Mickelson, Brandt Snedeker, and Keegan Bradley pose for a group photo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shenzhen– Mission Hills played host to some of the very best names in golf who gathered ahead of the WGC-HSBC Champions 2012 which teed off on 1st November on the 7,301 yard Olazabal Course at Mission Hills’ Dongguan resort in southern China’s Pearl River Delta.

A truly first-class line up will greet spectators including defending Champion Martin Kaymer, as well as a host of other major winners from around the world in Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Bubba Watson, Keegan Bradley, Graeme McDowell, Paul Lawrie and Louis Oosthuizen.

Other top players to join the field from both sides of the Atlantic include Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Nicolas Colsaerts, Peter Hanson, Francesco Molinari, plus Dustin Johnson and 2012 FedEx Cup Winner Brandt Snedeker from the US as well as a crop of players from Asia-Pacific headed by Asian Order of Merit leader Thaworn Wiratchant from Thailand.

It remains to be seen if the Olazabal association does for the Europeans what the spirit of Seve did for them in last month’s Ryder Cup at Medinah, but they should like the connection all the same.

The longest of Mission Hill’s 12 courses at its Shenzhen – Dongguan resort, Jose Maria Olazabal’s course is designed to challenge the best in the game. The design objective was to create a course that is playable to everyone yet one that provided a demanding tournament layout that stretches to the back tees.

Olazabal’s reputation as one of the game’s best sand golfers is reflected with over 160 menacing bunkers. Designed to blend in with its natural surroundings, numerous majestic vistas cropped with untouched foliage and natural running streams will ensure that there is no shortage of scenic backdrops on show. The high, sand flashed bunkers contain a number of contoured fingers, thick grassy vertical lips and deep ‘bowled’ bottoms, which are sure to attract the attention of the players.

Competitors will be faced with an option on how to play each hole – either opting for a conservative, safe route, or the risk and reward route that may result in anything from an eagle to a double bogey or worse. This is a perfect tournament venue, guaranteed to provide the professionals with a true test of golf and the hundred thousand plus spectators with plenty of excitement along the way.

Commenting on his first impressions of this year’s course, Defending Champion Martin Kaymer said, “It looks very good. I think they changed the grass so there’s less grain on the greens now which I think makes the course even better. 15 is an exciting par 5 where a lot can happen and then 18, you need to be brave with a tee shot but it’s definitely a very exciting finish.”

A sentiment shared by two time tournament winner Phil Mickelson who added, “I think this golf course is wonderful. The 15th hole, I believe, is the most interesting as it gives a player many ways to play it. It’s also an important hole for the tournament’s final result because it’s an important birdie – you need to make a 4 there to be on top of the lead if you want to win.”

Dr. Ken Chu, Chairman and CEO of Mission Hills Group added, “We’re delighted to bring such a prestigious event as the WGC-HSBC Champions to Mission Hills China for the first time and provide a spectacular showcase event for golf lovers. It is for sure that we would harness the opportunity to promote the further development of the game in China and throughout the region.”

The WGC-HSBC Champions boasts a prize fund of US$7 million and is one of four World Golf Championships sanctioned and organised by the operational committee of the International Federation of PGA Tours, which includes the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour. The other World Golf Championships include the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, WGC-Cadillac Championship and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

About Mission Hills Group

Mission Hills Group (www.missionhillschina.com), owner and operator of Mission Hills in the heart of the Pearl River Delta and the tropical island of Hainan, is the pioneer in China’s fledgling hospitality, sports and leisure industry.

Founded in 1992, Mission Hills is recognized as the leading golf brand in the world and synonymous with high-end, luxurious and exquisitely-designed residences. Mission Hills has been the major driving force behind the sports and leisure industry in China. Its three world-class integrated leisure and wellness resort destinations have hosted more than 100 international tournaments. Mission Hills has also been accredited the “World’s Largest Golf Club” by the Guinness World Records.

Mission Hills’ properties sprawl over 40 sq.km. They include 22 championship courses designed by renowned players and architects from five continents, five-star resorts, award-winning spas and volcanic mineral springs, an international convention center, golf academies and Asia’s largest tennis facility. Mission Hills is also the official training headquarters of China’s Tennis and Golf Associations.

The Group’s “golf and more” leisure philosophy has catalyzed its tourism-related business expansion. Mission Hills Centreville and Mission Hills ? Lan Kwai Fong ? Haikou are family-friendly metropolitan leisure complexes and low-carbon town centers. Hubs for business, leisure, wellness and entertainment, their highlights include 1,000-plus international anchor brands featuring the latest fashion labels, finest jewelry and watches; trendiest restaurants, cafes and bars; state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas; ice skating rinks; bowling alleys; world-renowned auto showrooms; and many other exciting offerings. A total of six hotels are showcased in these developments, among them Marriott International's Ritz-Carlton and Renaissance hotel brands.

Today, Mission Hills Group has achieved many milestones and become the preeminent conglomerate in the sports, tourism, leisure and entertainment industry. The next breakthrough in the Group’s evolution will occur as it brings its tried and true branding and golf management services to Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Yunnan, Chongqing and other destinations.