Erupting volcanoes signalled the start to the 56th Omega Mission Hills World Cup with all 28 nations attending the opening ceremony in Haikou on China’s Hainan Island.
Three of the world’s top ranked 10 in Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (Number 2), Germany’s Martin Kaymer (Number 3) and American Matt Kuchar (Number 10) head this year’s $US 7.5m event taking place on the Blackstone course and one of 10 courses at the complex.
All 28 teams gather on stage for the launch of the 56th Omega Mission Hills World Cup. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
A further 11 players figure among the World’s top-50 headed by Major Champions Charl Schwartzel (Number 13) and Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa (Number 37) and Graeme McDowell (14) joining McIlroy in representing Ireland.
And some of golf’s minnows were introduced at the ceremony including the Guatamalan team of Pablo Acuna and Jose Toledo who have no world ranking whatsoever. and who clinched the last available spot with a birdie at the closing hole of the South American qualifier.
But most interest will focus on the heavyweight American, Irish, Italian, South African and Spanish sides. Kuchar and the long-hitting Woodland make their World Cup debut and are looking to add to the American domination of 23 wins in the tournament.
“I’ve got to play with Gary a number of times this year and we pair together well,” said Kuchar.
“When I got in position to play this event, I was able to pick a partner, and thought about who I would have fun with, and then whose game fitted in well with mine.
“I thought about who I also wanted to spend the week wit, and who would help the U.S. have a shot at winning this, and Gary was top of the list.”
The Italian brothers, Edoardo and Francesco will defend the title they won two years ago and on a golf course that on first impression looks a cross between Maderia’s Porto Santos course and a number of Hawaiian venues.
Expoding volcanoes get the 56th Omega Mission Hills World Cup underway. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“The course is very similar to the course we won on two years ago with quite big fairways, and quite small greens,” said Edoardo Molinari.
“There are some very good holes, and it’s great course for this format, because there are some holes where one player can go for it and the other can play it more defensive.
“But as defending champions there is extra pressure on us and when you compare what we did two years ago, everyone is expecting the same this week.”
Schwartzel and Oosthuizen are teaming together for a first time since the South African pair represented their country in the 2002 Eisenhower in Malaysia and their last major amateur event before turning pro.
“A lot this week will be about understanding each other’s game and Louis and I do that well,” said Schwartzel.
“We play together almost every single of the year playing practice rounds.
“I know how far he hits the ball and I know what shots he likes the best and where he might be a bit uncomfortable.
“So we will be playing to each other’s strengths and that will be the key this week to victory.”
The event commences with a Fourball format followed over the remaining three days with Foursomes, Fourball and a last day of Foursomes.
The winning nation will split a $US 2.4m (Euro 1.788m/Stg 1.510m) first prize cheque while the team finishing last will share $US 50,000 (Euro 37,254/Stg 31,470).
