HAIKOU, China, Oct. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The two biggest names in golf have landed on the tropical Hainan Island this evening for what is set to be the most highly anticipated and widely viewed 18 holes of golf match in Asia this year.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131027/CN04989 )
World No.1 Tiger Woods touched down at the Haikou International Airport in a private jet from the US, and this will likely be the 14-time major winner's only competitive match in the Asia Pacific region this year.
His opponent in tomorrow's The Match at Mission Hills will be the former World No.1 and two-time major winner Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman, who enjoys a huge following in China, has also landed this evening. He was in a relaxed mood and clearly looking forward to the showdown with his great adversary.
Speaking on his arrival at Mission Hills, the double major winner Rory McIlroy said, "I played here with G-Mac [in the World Cup] and it was good. It's a good golf course, a good layout and obviously we had a great chance to win here a couple of years ago. It's nice to be back and obviously every time we come we get looked after really well."
Dr. Ken Chu, Chairman & CEO of Mission Hills Group said, "We're delighted to welcome Tiger and Rory to Mission Hills Haikou. The Match at Mission Hills is one of the Group's latest initiatives showcasing golf to new generation golfers and audiences in China and around the world. This spectacular event will also mark a magnificent finale to Mission Hills Group's 20th Anniversary celebration."
The Match will be staged on the highly acclaimed centuries-old Blackstone Course, set amidst spectacular black lava rock at Mission Hills Resort in Haikou, China. Thismuch-anticipated event is Mission Hills Group's latest initiative to popularize the game of golf and showcase the sport to new audiences in China and around the world.
About Mission Hills Group
Mission Hills Group (www.missionhillschina.com), owner and operator of Mission Hills in the heart of the Pearl River Delta and the tropical island of Hainan, is the pioneer in China's fledgling hospitality, sports and leisure industry.
Founded in 1992, Mission Hills is recognized as the leading golf brand in the world and synonymous with high-end, luxurious and exquisitely-designed residences. Mission Hills has been the major driving force behind the sports and leisure industry in China. Its three world-class integrated leisure and wellness resort destinations have hosted more than 100 international tournaments. Mission Hills has also been accredited the "World's Largest Golf Club" by the Guinness World Records.
Mission Hills' properties sprawl over 40 sq.km. They include 22 championship courses designed by renowned players and architects from five continents, five-star resorts, award-winning spas and volcanic mineral springs, an international convention center, golf academies and Asia's largest tennis facility. Mission Hills is also the official training headquarters of China's Tennis and Golf Associations.
The Group's "golf and more" leisure philosophy has catalyzed its tourism-related business expansion. Mission Hills Centreville and Mission Hills Lan Kwai FongHaikou are family-friendly metropolitan leisure complexes and low-carbon town centers. Hubs for business, leisure, wellness and entertainment, their highlights include 1,000-plus international anchor brands featuring the latest fashion labels, finest jewelry and watches; trendiest restaurants, cafes and bars; state-of-the-art multiplex cinemas; ice skating rinks; bowling alleys; world-renowned auto showrooms; and many other exciting offerings. A total of six hotels are showcased in these developments, among them are the Marriott International's Ritz-Carlton and Renaissance hotel brands, and Hilton International.
Today, Mission Hills Group has achieved many milestones and become the preeminent conglomerate in the sports, tourism, leisure and entertainment industry. The next breakthrough in the Group's evolution will occur as it brings its tried and true branding and golf management services to Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Yunnan, Chongqing and other destinations.
SOURCE Mission Hills China
