Tiger Woods and Rory Mcilroy Set for Tropical Showdown at Mission Hills Haikou

HAIKOU, China, Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Golf's world No. 1 and major winners Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will go head-to-head in a two-man 18-hole contest for the first time at "The Match at Mission Hills" on October 28, in Hainan, China.

The Match will be staged on Mission Hill's highly acclaimed Blackstone Course -- one of 10 Schmidt-Curley designed golf courses set amidst spectacular black volcanic lava rock at Mission Hills Haikou Resort in China's southern-most island.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, Woods, winner of 79 PGA Tour titles said, "The Match at Mission Hills is geared to be a great contest with a great setting in Haikou, and I'm excited about playing there for the first time. I've heard a lot of good things about Blackstone, so it looks like a great location for the re-match with Rory, whom I know has played there before in the World Cup. I've played at Mission Hills on the mainland, but this will be my first time playing at their Haikou's resort and I'm looking forward to visiting Hainan Island for the first time."

"I'm hoping to win this time. I've had a really good year on the PGA Tour, so it would be nice to earn another trophy in China," Woods continued.

Opened in 2010, the championship Blackstone course was named Asia's "Best New Course" by GOLF Magazine (U.S.) and "Asia Pacific Best Championship Course" by Asian Golf Monthly magazine. The course also hosted Asia's only golf and entertainment event, Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro Am, and the 2011 World Cup of Golf at which McIlroy tied for fourth with playing partner and countryman Graeme McDowell, while Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland of the USA emerged victorious.

The current World's No. 4, McIlroy, who has played twice at the World Cup of Golf in Mission Hills, claimed that he is very much ready for the challenge set by the in-form Woods, pointing to the advantage he will take from having had match experience on the Blackstone Course back in 2011:

"I'm expecting a lot of fun this time in Hainan. Tiger has played better golf this year, but I feel like I'm getting my game back again and I enjoy any challenge, especially against Tiger, so I'm ready for another showdown," said McIlroy.

"It is really special when you can generate a kind of enthusiasm for a two-player match. I've enjoyed playing at Blackstone before and hopefully it should give me a bit of an edge having already played the course," added the 24 year old Northern Irishman.

The Match at Mission Hills is the latest highly-anticipated event to be hosted by the Mission Hills Group, which has hosted over 100 international tournaments and has been at the forefront of China's golf scene since hosting the World Cup of Golf in 1995.
 
Ken Chu, Chairman and CEO of Mission Hills Group, said: "Mission Hills has always been devoted to promoting international exchange and goodwill through golf. The Match at Mission Hills between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy brings two of sport's biggest stars together at Mission Hills and Hainan for the first time. It will undoubtedly support the growth of the game of golf in the region and across China, and further cement the government-led initiative in making Hainan a leading international tourism destination."

Note to Editors:

Back9Network and YouTube will serve as online streaming partners (outside China) for The Match at Mission Hills, with the event streamed worldwide excluding USA and Canada.

For further information or photos, please contact:

Mona Li, Director of Brand Development, Mission Hills China
Tel: +86 755 2802 0888 Ext. 38890
Email: [email protected]

John Higginson, Media Director, Infinite Ideas International (i3)
Tel: +852 2459-1665
Mob: +44 7798-782-096
Email: [email protected]

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 Fong Haikou 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, Xi'an, Yunnan, Chongqing and other destinations.

SOURCE Mission Hills China