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Draped across the volcanic landscape of the Northern region of Hainan island lie the emerald green golf courses of one of the world's most prestigious clubs, Mission Hills Haikou. The club that boasts the slogan 'limitless play' is the latest venture of golfing powerhouse Mission Hills, widely regarded as the world's leading leisure and sports management firm.

 

Mission Hills Haikou opened in March 2010, with six initial courses stretching around a volcano. For now, the prestigious club can boast a total of ten courses, with the opening of four new courses. The four new courses have been crafted by Shmidt-Curley Designs together with the Mission Hills club and include the Stone Quarry, Shadow Dunes, Double Pin and Stepping Stone. The local Government of the island has suggested that at its completion, Mission Hills Hainan may consist of up to 30 courses.

 

'At Mission Hills Hainan, golfers can select from a global menu of golf design genres,' says Brian Curley of Shmidt-Curley Design. 'Each layout has a distinct 'personality' - levels of difficulty, bunker styles, green sizes and undulations, landscaping, par and yardage were intentionally varied to distinguish the resort from competitors and celebrate its status as an international golf destination."

 

Golf's popularity has increased in China with the addition of the sport to the Olympic Games. 'The country will be spending money to promote the game, to build the younger generation to participate in the sport,' said Chu. 'There's a chance for them to win a gold medal and golf is a game in which the Chinese can excel.'

 

With less than 200 days to go until the start of the 2011 Omega Mission Hills World cup which will be held from November 24-27, the island is buzzing with excitement to receive the pros in one of the most prestigious events in the world of golf. This will be the first time that the World Cup has taken place in China's tropical island Hainan province and will see 56 professionals from 28 countries - including the likes of Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Steve Ballesteros, Jack Nicklaus and Bernhard Langer - compete for the US$7.5 million prize fund.

 

"I am very optimistic Mission Hills Hainan will help show Asian golfers and developers it is more about offering a great experience," said Curley. "Some of the courses, like Blackstone and Lava Fields, will play long and test the best players. However, we also designed courses that are still challenging and thought-provoking but tailored to be more forgiving to mid- and high-handicappers," he said.

 

With two 18-hole championship golf courses that draw inspiration from iconic international designs, Mission Hills Haikou offers visitors a truly unique golfing experience for players of all levels. Even if you have never held a golf club in your life, this is a fantastic place to start. Elite instructors in the Hank Haney golfing style are trained to get anyone into the game.

 

There's even a 2000 square meter indoor training centre with 10 indoor hitting bays fully equipped with video swing and 3D motion technology, and a 17,000 square meter outdoor turf that is renowned as one of Asia's largest short game areas. With a heap of golf schools from junior programs and holiday schools to corporate clinics, you are bound to find the perfect way to learn.

 

Corporate clinics have contributed to Mission Hills Haikou's growing reputation as one of the top MICE destinations in Asia. The resort has been designed to cater to large corporate groups of up to 1,600, with a grand ballroom, a pre-function multi-purpose foyer, five multi-function meeting rooms, and an outdoor area with a pavilion perfect for all VIP events. The resort boasts state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, sound systems, high-speed wireless Internet access and built-ins, on-call technical support and world class catering and professional event-planning services.

 

The Mission Hills Group is the owner of the world's largest golf club, a 12-course club based in Shenzhen in southern China. In the past, Mission Hills has catered mostly to foreign golfers who have made up 80% of its customers. In recent years, however, the company has switched its focus from foreigners to Chinese golfers, targeting a market of new wealth that emerged after an economic boom that increased annual urban wages by 64% in 2009.

 

'We have confidence in the rise in Chinese consumption and them having a holiday mentality,' said Ken Chu, Vice Chairman of Mission Hills. 'We see the growth of the game and we see the growth of this business sector.'

 

So far the group has invested 25 billion Yuan (about US$3.7 billion) to add golfing, retail and community facilities at its 5-billion Yuan club in Haikou. The resort has been designed as a haven for individuals groups and families, no matter what their golfing abilities. Even visitors who have little interest in playing the sport can indulge in Mission Hills Haikou's facilities.

 

There aren't many golf resorts that can boast their own outdoor theme park the likes of Mission Hill's Haikou's Lava Lagoon, featuring Hainan's largest outdoor freeform swimming pool, a man-made beach, volleyball courts and water-based sports. With themed pool parties, live performances and creative dining events throughout the year, it the perfect place for tired golfers to relax and for families to grab a paddleboat and cruise down the Lazy River.

 

The resort also features first class spa facilities, with facials, body treatments, scrubs and massages ranging from Hainanese Chinese massage to after-sport deep-tissue massage. A foot reflexology centre is designed to clear the minds of guests, improve circulation and relax tense muscles after a long day of golf, and improve sleep quality. Soon to open in the resort are over 230 hot and cold Volcanic Mineral Springs, offering centuries old bathing rituals and healing philosophies.

 

Mission Hills Haikou is also gaining a name for itself as a culinary highlight on the island, with a range of dining experiences led by world-class chefs. Fused with international cuisine is the best of local and Asian cuisine and the island's speciality - fresh seafood. Set to open soon are three poolside options, a bar-lounge, a club with live music and Sizzle and Simmer, a steamboat and hotspot specialty restaurant built inside a man-made volcano.

 

525 spacious guestrooms and suites are built to reflect the changing environment with balconies offering panoramic views of the resort and natural environment to all guests. All rooms are built for maximum comfort with access to spa facilities and concierge service, ranging from 50 metres square Deluxe rooms to the luxury 90 metre square Presidential Suites that include kitchen areas, living room areas, Jacuzzi bathtubs and a massage room.

 

Mission Hills Haikou's immaculately manicured club is located 15 minutes from Haikou Meilan International Airport, and is fast becoming a golfing Mecca and one of the most sought-after leisure destinations in China. Have a look at our online image gallery and video of the month for a visual taste of this prestigious resort, or for more information on booking visit http://www.missionhillschina.com/hainan/home.aspx

 

 

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