(17 April, SHENZHEN, China) – Mission Hills Golf Club – the world’s largest collection of premier golf courses with 12 layouts designed by many of the greatest golfers and golf course architects from five continents – announces that the golf legend Jack Nicklaus experienced an extraordinary visit on April 17.

Mr. Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 professional major championships and designer of Mission Hills’ World Cup Course, was presented with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Dr. David Chu, Chairman, Mission Hills Group and Mr. Zhang Xiao Ning, Vice Chairman, China Golf Association. Dr. Chu thanked Mr. Nicklaus for his contributions during a V.I.P. luncheon at the Shenzhen Clubhouse’s Grand Ballroom:

“When Mr. Nicklaus first visited Mission Hills at 1994, it was a much smaller place,” says Dr. Chu. “Since that time, Mission Hills has grown to 12 courses, making it the largest golf club in the world, and will host the prestigious Omega Mission Hills World Cup through 2018. We are extremely grateful for his cooperation and treasure the assistance he’s given to Mission Hills and golf in China.”

In an effort to further the growth of golf in China, Mr. Nicklaus and Tenniel Chu, Executive Director, Mission Hills Golf Club, announced the creation of the “Mission Hills Jack Nicklaus Junior Masters.” The tournament will annually bring the best junior players in the world to Mission Hills. As part of the festivities, Mr. Nicklaus conducted a skills clinic for junior players in attendance.

Says Chu: “The ‘Mission Hills Jack Nicklaus Junior Masters’ will help develop promising young golfers in China. It will give them an opportunity to reach their dreams and compete against top peers from all over the globe.”

In addition, the “Golden Bear’s” visit included a tour of the recently opened Dongguan Clubhouse and its 3,000 seat Grand Ballroom. While there, Mr. Nicklaus placed his handprints in cement for display at the clubhouse’s World Cup Lounge. The Nicklaus-designed World Cup Course hosted the 41st World Cup in 1995, China’s first international golf event. A member of six World Cup winning teams, Mr. Nicklaus also visited the Olazabal Course, new home of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup through 2018.

“I am very impressed with the architecture and amenities at Mission Hills,” says Nicklaus. “The club’s rapid development is a reflection of golf’s robust growth throughout China. I look forward to my involvement with the ‘Mission Hills Jack Nicklaus Junior Masters’ and think the tournament will play an integral role in honing the skills of China’s most promising young golfers.”

Event Photos:http://gallery.missionhillsgroup.com/mh/main .php?g2_itemId=1940&g2_navId=x13c6fefe