World Cup Preview
All Eyes on
Mission Hills
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Late November sees the return of the highly anticipated Omega Mission Hills World Cup World Class (clockwise from right): the bunker-strewn Olazabal Course; a select gathering; Monty and Warren win it for Scotland in 2007.
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h en the best golfers in the world gather to compete for t he pride of their nations, the world watches. In the same way that has made the Ryder Cup and President’s Cup matches such compulsive viewing, the Omega Mission Hills World Cup, which will be played 27-30 November over the Olazabal Course at the luxury resort, brings something different to golf—the spectacle of team play. With the game’s hierarchy happy to fill their playing calendars to the brim with 72-hole individual strokeplay tournaments, the format of the World Cup—two-man teams playing alternate rounds of fourballs and foursomes—is unquestionably refreshing. Placing your faith and trust in another’s capabilities isn’t something that comes easy to professional golfers, which makes this event one of the most unpredictable—and therefore exciting— of the year. That was certainly the case twelve months ago when the Scottish pairing of Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren outlasted the American duo of Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum in a gripping sudden death playoff. Having finished on a brilliant 25-under-par total for their four rounds—which was highlighted by an exceptional final round 66 in the much more difficult foursomes format—the Scots looked like they had the title in the bag. But the Americans roared back with two gutsy birdies on the final two holes to force extra time. It was pulsating stuff and the massive galleries at Mission Hills, although still relative newcomers to the game, were enthralled. In the end it took an uncharacteristic mistake from Weekley, arguably the player of the tournament, on the third playoff hole to decide the outcome. But the message was clear: this is a tournament not to be missed.
The History
Since 1953, the World Cup developed its international reputation for excellence by annually drawing together teams of two golfers from up to 32 nations who compete each year “for the honour of their countries.” In the storied history of golf ’s World Cup, no fewer than 24 nations have hosted the event over the years. All the great names of golf have won this prestigious trophy, including Snead, Hogan, Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, Ballesteros and the reigning world number one, Tiger Woods. In 1995, the World Cup established an historic milestone when it visited China—and Mission Hills—for the first time, essentially introducing professional tournament to the Middle Kingdom. In 2007, the Omega Mission Hills World Cup returned to China and will now remain at Mission Hills until 2018. With such a distinguished history, it is hardly surprising that it has been labeled “The Golden Game of Golf ”, a title of huge significance in modern China. Nicklaus himself noted, on a visit to the club earlier this year, that the event “has everything. Great players who have mutual respect for each other, playing under tremendous pressure—and all for national pride. That’s the World Cup.” HK GOLFER・NOV/DEC 2008
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Contact
Hong Kong Hotline: (852) 21221616 Hong Kong Fax: (852) 28699632 Email: jimmyyu@missionhillsgroup.com Website: www.missionhillsgroup.com
Away From the Fairways
Known throughout the world for its twelve signature courses, golf is actually just one aspect of the Mission Hills experience. Within its 20 square km expanse, the resort features a five-star hotel and world-class spa that embrace a lifestyle of leisure and wellness. Asia’s largest tennis centre (with a staggering 51 courts), luxurious residential developments, and a selection of international restaurants and entertainment venues—as well as a generous programme of leisure activities—ensure there’s plenty of activities to keep you busy when you’ve finished your game.
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Best Seat in the House
To enjoy the tournament from the best vantage point possible, Mission Hills is offering guests the opportunity to experience the World Cup direct from the sidelines. The package features access to the Dongguan Clubhouse’s Grand Ballroom, where fans can enjoy the game from the viewing terrace where a panoramic view of the 18th hole can be found. Marquees next to selected holes along the Olazabal Course are exclusively dedicated to audience who’ve subscribed to the package.
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