It is a Hawaiian-style welcome for the stars of this week’s Omega Mission Hills World Cup of Golf – Report by Fatiha Betscher, Haikou, China.
The 56th staging of the event is being held for a first time on the stunning Mission Hills layout at Haikou on China’s Hainan Island.
The Mission Hills complex is just a short 15-minute car ride from Haikou International Airport and upon arrival players, guests and officials are being warmly met by hotel dignitaries and officials.
Among those welcoming guests this week is Mr. Tenniel Chu, Vice-Chairman of the Mission Hills Group.
Mr. Chu took over the running of all Mission Hills matters following the death of his father.
And despite the overcast conditions on Monday morning, each player and official is being greeted with an Hawaiian-style floral lei placed around their necks as a sign of affection.
Rory McIlroy greeted on arrival at Mission Hills by Mission Hills Group Vice Chairman, Tenniel Chu (l). (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Among those arriving early on Monday at the stunning on-course Mission Hills to be presented with a lei was the Singapore team of Lam Chi Bing and Madan Mamat.
Also arriving, and with close to nine pieces of luggage for his family, was former double Asian Tour No. 1, Thongchai Jaidee who will again spear-head the Thailand team.
Reigning U.S. Open champion, Rory McIlroy arrived to a head of state like welcome at 9.20pm.
There was welcoming party of officials waiting out front of the hotel to up until the last player arrived near 11pm.
The Mission Hills complex at Haikou boasts 10 golf course but it will be the Blackstone course to host this week’s World Cup.
The other nine courses are named –
Sandbelt Trails (A 7,325 yard Australian ‘Sandbelt’ theme course with lava rock landscape),
The Vintage (A 7,297 yard old world sensibilities in a stone walled setting),
Stepping Stone (A short 2,175 yard course but with a dramatic blend of rock landscape),
Lava Fields (A 7,475 yard big and bold course surrounded by sand),
Meadow Fields (A 6,673 yard course in an old meadow setting),
Stone Quarry (A challenging 6,029 yard course),
Double Pin (A 1,921 yard offering two pins for beginner and skilled players),
The Preserve (A 6,465 yard lush and wide course with sculptured features) and
Shadow Dunes (A 6,428 yard links style course with challenging greens).
But here is a selection of photos overlooking the Blackstone course and venue for this week’s World Cup.
