China is becoming an emerging country for golf and it appears they are embracing the game on a large scale. For example, Schmidt-Curley Design said it has built the world's largest putting course at China's Mission Hills Golf Club. How big you might be asking yourself? Try 17 acres! The putting course is said to be punctuated by wild, rugged bunkering and dramatic humps and hollows. Framed by bursts of flowers, dense ground covers and native grasses, it evokes the feel of a miniature, quarter-scale golf course.
Image courtesy: Tom Breazeale
"There is nothing on the planet that comes close to the course's size, appearance or playing alternatives," said Brian Curley. "The possibilities are limitless. It can play as a putting course requiring negotiation of hazards and putts of 100 feet or more. Or, players can sharpen their chipping and pitching, incorporating lofted ball flights over the myriad bunkers and swales turning the facility into more of a short-game course. Regular use of the course will cultivate shot-making creativity that's sure to shave-off handicap strokes."
Sitting adjacent to the Schmidt-Curley-designed 18-hole, par-3 Zhang Lian Wei Course, one of 12 golf courses at the mammoth resort 30 minutes north of Hong Kong. "Schmidt-Curley did a fantastic job with the putting course," says Tenniel Chu, Executive Director, Mission Hills Golf Club. "It is another in a long line of valued projects the firm's undertaken at our club. The Mission Hills we know today wouldn't have been possible without Schmidt-Curley's expert architectural contributions to all 12 of our golf courses."
Big, candidly, is an understatement at Mission Hills Golf Club, which features the world’s largest collection of premier golf courses with 12 layouts designed by many of the greatest golfers and golf course architects from five continents. The facility is also hosting the sixth annual Golfathon, May 1 – August 31, 2009. Open to players of all ages and abilities, contestants will challenge 10 of the club’s 12 golf courses. The Overall Champion will earn an exemption to October’s inaugural Asian Amateur Championship on Mission Hills’ World Cup Course. The AAC winner will be awarded a spot in the 2010 Masters Tournament, arguably the sport’s most-revered championship.
“The Mission Hills Golfathon combines the thrill of golf and marathon into a formula that attracts golf enthusiasts from around the world to our club for the ultimate golf challenge,” said Chu, Mission Hills Golf Club Executive Director. “This year’s exemption to the Asian Amateur Championship is an exceptional first prize. Now golfers from around the world can experience Mission Hills’ unparalleled golf-and-resort experience and vie for a spot in Asia’s most important amateur event.”
For those who are simply content participating in the event,anyone who can complete nine qualifying rounds of golf within five consecutive weekdays will receive an “Iron Man” certificate and complimentary weekday green fee valued at 1,380 RMB ($200). “We will pamper Golfathon competitors with our renowned, gold-standard personal service,” said Chu. “Come share an unforgettable experience with family, friends and fellow golfers, as no other resort in the world can match Mission Hills’ vast array of activities and first-class amenities.”
For the avid, rabid golf junkie this is a must to add to their resume. For others who are looking for an experience that will surpass their expectations, the adventure begins with a short drive north of Hong Kong International Airport, www.hongkongairport.com to Mission Hills Golf Club. Flights on most major airlines from most major cities are available into Hong Kong. From the airport, Mission Hills transports golfers in luxury shuttles across the border to the resort hotel.
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