Nicklaus to visit Mission Hills to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

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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 -- today announces that Jack Nicklaus will visit on April 17 and receive a "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the China Golf Association.

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Jack Nicklaus

Winner of a record 18 professional major championships and designer of Mission Hills' World Cup Course, Nicklaus will also discuss his association with the new Mission Hills Jack Nicklaus Junior Masters and conduct a short golf clinic. To commemorate his work on the World Cup Course, Nicklaus will place his handprints in cement near the first tee.

"Jack is revered in China for both his record as a player and his accomplishments as a businessman," says Tenniel Chu, Executive Director, Mission Hills Golf Club. "He was one of the first people to recognize the untapped promise that China held for golf."

Nicklaus has designed 13 courses in China to date, including Mission Hills' World Cup Course. Opened in 1994, it has hosted a variety of international events, including the 41st World Cup of Golf in 1995. Known for its large, speedy greens and deep bunkers, it's widely regarded as one of the finest courses in Asia.

The "Golden Bear's" commitment to developing the sport in China continues through his association with the new Mission Hills Jack Nicklaus Junior Masters.

"Mission Hills is dedicated to promoting golf among Chinese youth and welcomes Jack's involvement," says Chu. "His name is associated with greatness and lends even further credence to our efforts to foster the next generation of major championship contenders."

Nicklaus' visit to Mission Hills also coincides with the Omega Mission Hills World Cup's recent return to prominence, thanks to Mission Hills' involvement through 2018. No stranger to the event, Nicklaus played on the winning team a record six times -- in 1963, 1964, 1966 and 1967 with Arnold Palmer, 1971 with Lee Trevino and 1973 with Johnny Miller. Nicklaus was the individual champion three times (1963, 1964, 1971), also a record.