European Evergreen PGA Tour (March 11-March 13)#
Today, Shenzhen's Mission Hills Golf Club announced it will hold its first European Evergreen PGA Tour, in collaboration with the European Seniors Tour and the China Golf Association, from March 11-13, with total prize money of US$35 million.
Hosted by Japanese businessman and philanthropist Haruhisa Handa and the International Sports Promotion Agency (ISPS), this will mark the inaugural "ISPS Handa Evergreen Legendary World Championship."
FromLuxee (Translation by the Jing Daily team):
"Over the years, Mission Hills has always been committed to promoting and developing golf in China and Asia," said Tenniel Chu, Executive Director of Mission Hills. "We are very pleased with the opportunity to hold China's first European Seniors Tour at Mission Hills in Shenzhen. The arrival of golf legends will stir conversation in the golf community in China and drive the sport of golf into the next step of development."
The European Seniors Tour semi-global ambassador Dr. Haruhisa Handa was also pleased at the establishment of the tour, saying: "To be able to add the new tour into the European Evergreen Golf Tour schedule, we're very excited to promote the international sports community, and are especially thankful for the support of Mission Hills in helping organize the competition."
European Seniors Tour managing director Andy Stubbs, said: "We are very grateful to the international sports promotion agency (ISPS) and Dr. Haruhisa Handa for the support of this event and always promoting golf in the world while supporting the causes of people with disabilities." (JD -- Dr. Handa is heavily involved with social causes.)
"The European Tour is very pleased to co-sanction the Evergreen World Tour with the ISPS Handa Association. The event will be held at Mission Hills Golf Club, and various golf legends have agreed to participate. We are also pleased with the event venue sponsor, Mission Hills, which will be responsible for promoting the WSM events company. "
Mission Hills Golf has always been committed to hosting international events to lead the development of golf in China, including the Tiger Woods China Challenge and the Omega Mission Hills World Cup at Mission Hills last October. Haikou International Golf Resort's " Star Mission Hills World Professional Tournament " brought together various stars, and was the first celebrity paired tour in Asia. This new Evergreen tour will become another Mission Hills "first."
"At this point, Mission Hills has achieved a complete events agenda, which includes professional, amateur, youth competitions and the Evergreen event," said Tenniel Chu, Executive Director of Mission Hills. He added, "This will not only bring to China a new international tournament, but will mark the arrival of young and legendary players who will become role models, encouraging players to take golf to new heights."
Previously, Mission Hills has partnered with a number of famous golfers, such as Nick Faldo, who established the Asian Cup, as well as the Jack Nicklaus Junior Championship and many other youth training camp events and activities. Recently, Annika Sorenstam co-founded China's first adolescent female competition at Mission Hills.
"Mission Hills is invested in the development of junior golf for our future. We hope that not only Mission Hills, but the entire golf industry can continue to grow, thrive and reach prosperity," Tenniel Chu added.