There's little doubt, as we enter the second decade of the twenty-first century, that a substantial part of golf's growth over the next ten years will happen in China. Despite a moratorium on golf course construction, golf developments are springing up in China at a rate unimaginable elsewhere in the world. And some of those developments are downright audacious. They're the kind of venues that stun even the most blasé of visitors with their grandeur, and make their way into record books for their size. Like sprawling Mission Hills in Shenzhen, where the Molinari brothers recently won the World Cup.
In a fascinating piece for Financial Times Weekend Magazine, award-winning China-based writer Dan Washburn, investigates the country's latest over-the-top golf development, the mysterious place currently known as Project 791. Though parts of it are nearing completion, it's still shrouded in secrecy. What is known however, is that this development located on Hainan Island, in the South China Sea, will ultimately feature 22 courses along with myriad clubhouses, opulent villas and luxury resort hotels. It will soon be known, the world over, as Mission Hills Hainan, and it will take over as the largest golf venue in the world.
Mr. Washburn who's been living in China since 2002, does an excellent job exploring the history and culture that have led to the exponential growth of golf in the country. He also ventures into the cloistered villages of Hainan and speaks to the indigenous people whose lives will soon be transformed by Project 791. I'd highly recommend his story.
And if you're interested in keeping up with the development of golf in China, Dan Washburn is definitely a person to follow. He's a founding editor of Shanghaiist and currently researching a book on the development of golf in China.
Of course Mr. Snoots had already heard of this but I had not.
ReplyDeleteI could never visit there knowing they already own us. No point in giving them ALL our money.
Great post Patricia!
;-)
Watching the World Cup I kept saying I have to go play there. It seems amazingly lush and perfect... and big!! And now they're building something even bigger? I'll have to stay for at least a couple of months. ;)
ReplyDeleteNothing really new about the project. I thought you were going to write about the mind control experiments necessary to get the women to wear those hats in public. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Court. Nice post, Golf Girl.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting read; thank you for this. It saddens me to compare figures with the U.S. -- I believe I read somewhere that there will only be 50 (maybe 55?) new course openings this year. Mission Hills Hainan itself will have 22 -- incredible! Good for China though.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed to hear about a second Mission Hills! Having traveled in China in the late 90s. The development I've been reading about in many sectors amazes me. I hope to get back soon to take it all in. I'll definitely bring my clubs this time.
ReplyDeleteIf you're in Beijing for business and don't have a lot of time I would suggest Huatang Golf Club. An excellent course close to everything. Very friendly. The lady caddies are amazingly knowledgeable.
ReplyDeletewhat the Financial Times story said to me was that China is still a place where things get happen secretly and most of what get done is transacted "under the table". I don't think I'd be comfortable traveling in China, never mind playing golf there.
ReplyDeleteHi Patricia, I feel that China will produce top class golfers on the future. The golf course development there is a big sign.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Golfing Lessons
Wondering if the casino growth over there will compete with the golf dollar. Probably a good problem to have though.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to know what the mainland thinks of Yani Tseng. She is a wonderful player with a great personality.
ReplyDeleteGreat story. Thanks!
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