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. With the recent opening of four new courses, the prestigious club can boast a total of ten courses. 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 who are responsible for creating the new courses.
‘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."
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. 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.
Aside from immaculate golf courses, Mission Hills Haikou boasts outdoor theme park called 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.
First-class spa facilities, a foot reflexology centre and soon to open Volcanic Mineral Springs, offer guests the highest quality relaxation treatments. 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.
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.
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.
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.
