There was the sight of security staff saluting and a line of young girls acting as a guard of honour as the red carpet was rolled out for Rory McIlroy as he arrived at Mission Hills Haikou for this week’s Omega Mission Hills World Cup of Golf – report by Fatiha Betscher, Haikou, China.
McIlroy is returning to competition after having spent a fortnight off relaxing in Dubai and he’s returned for four straight weeks starting by pairing with fellow U.S. Open champion, Graeme McDowell for this week’s $US 7.5m event.
Rory McIlroy welcomed to Mission Hills. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Irish pair are hoping to go one place better than last year when they lost out to the Molinari brothers.
And after being seen in Shanghai with new girlfriend, Caroline Wozniacki McIlroy arrived at the complex boasting 10 golf courses without the Dane and accompanied by his caddy, J P Fitzgerald and was met in the foyer of the hotel by Horizon Sports manager, Colm Morissey.
McIlroy, wearing t-shirt, jeans and track shoes, was welcomed by a line of young women holding Hawaiian-like leis.
It was Mission Hills Group Vice-Chairman, Tenniel Chu, who now runs the giant Chinese company following the death of his father, who placed the lei over McIlroy’s head.
However McIlroy could be forgiven if he wasn’t back at home in Ireland with steady rain and strong winds turning the occasion into a winter-like scene and nothing like Waikiki Beach.
And despite plenty of billboards and posters all about Haikou International Airport promoting the event, McIlroy must also have wondered about one large blue-and-white sign also at the airport highlighting ‘The 11th World Toilet Summit’ taking place in Haikou from November 22nd to 24th.
McIlroy also arrived after a two week break without World No. 1 tennis girlfriend, Caroline Wozinacki by his side to team Graeme McDowell under the Irish flag for Thursday’s starting $US 7.5m Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
“I’ve had a good two week vacation and it was just really good to chill out because I had been on the go for while and just needed a break,” said McIlroy.
Rory McIlroy looking relaxed on arrival at Mission Hills. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“It was great to put the feet up in Dubai I can tell you there wasn’t any dust settling on my clubs.
“I spent a lot to time working on my game as I’ve got an important four-week run to end my season.
“I’m really looking forward to joining up again with G Mac this week and hopefully going one better in the World Cup than we did two years ago.
“Then it’s back into Race to Dubai mode for the Hong Kong Open and then Dubai, and I’m winding up my year in Bangkok for the Thailand Open.
“So I feel relaxed and also refreshed and looking forward to these four weeks.
“Firstly, I’d love for G Mac and myself to win this week after the disappointment of two years ago but then I want try and win Hong Kong because I finished second there a few years back and I need to do well again to put any pressure on Luke (Donald).
“But foremost I just want to end the year with another Tour victory. I won in Shanghai a few weeks ago but I want a second win this year on the European Tour.”
After checking-in, McIlroy made his way to his room and no sooner had joined McDowell in a Japanese restaurant with the expansive Chinese hotel.
He and McDowell will then take to the Blackstone course, and one of 10 at Mission Hills Haikou, for their first official practice round.
