Sorry for the silence here recently. I just got out from under a variety of deadlines, including my latest story for Golf World. That piece, like several of my recent efforts, features China’s Hainan Island, perhaps the busiest place in the world in terms of …
Read MoreNorman and Woods headed to China
That’s Greg Norman and Elin Woods, mind you. A couple days ago, Australia’s Daily Telegraph reported that the country’s highest-earning sportsman was closing his only office in Australia to “chase the Asian golfing dollar through China.” The paper continued, “[T]he design company has opened a …
Read MoreIan Poulter sings high praise for Shanghai’s greens
In the Wall Street Journal, we learn that English pro golfer Ian Poulter is “a massive fan of Asian food.” As if that wasn’t already enough insight for you, he goes on to rank five of his favorite courses in Asia. Two are in China …
Read MoreCost of Mission Hills Hainan? US$4.4 billion (so far)
At least according to this Bloomberg story: Mission Hills Group, owner of the world’s largest golf club, will boost investment sixfold in a golfing complex on China’s Hainan island as the nation’s economic rebound spurs a tourism and property boom. Mission Hills, based in Shenzhen, …
Read MoreWhat do you do after coaching Tiger? Head to China.
While Tiger Woods’ career appears to be headed south, Hank Haney — Tiger’s now former swing coach — looks to be headed east: Having the world’s No. 1 as a client magnified his profile dramatically. He has added the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy. …
Read MoreHugh Grant, Matthew McConaughey and Mission Hills Hainan
I told you a PR offensive was forthcoming. Here’s the latest from the AFP: Movie stars Hugh Grant and Matthew McConaughey will headline a bevy of celebrities taking part in a new tournament in China that will offer the richest individual prize in Asian golf. …
Read MoreQuick notes on golf’s World Cup moving to Mission Hills Hainan
Sorry I’m a little late on this, but I am, ironically, on assignment in Hainan. Yesterday, the Asian Tour announced and then the AP followed with news that golf’s World Cup is changing homes, and in 2011 will move from Mission Hills in Shenzhen to …
Read MoreTime to come up with a euphemism for “villa”
Earlier this week, Bloomberg ran a story entitled “China Tightens Land Purchase Rules, Bans Villas.” Here’s a snippet: China is requiring a down payment for land purchases equal to 50 percent of a plot’s price and prohibited the supply of land for villas as the …
Read MoreSame as it ever was
From the New York Times: Pressing ahead with its clampdown on runaway economic growth, the Chinese Government has banned new golf courses and announced that work on some luxury hotels and villas will be halted even though they are already partly built. … The document …
Read MoreNotes on “The Forbidden Game,” my story in Slate Magazine
Why did Beijing bulldoze a tournament golf course?
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