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| Mission Hills' Olazabal Course ready for 2008 World Cuptext size   
Nov. 12, 2008 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 -- announced its award-winning Olazabal Course is ready to host the 2008 Omega Mission Hills World Cup, held November 27-30.  Franklin/Getty Images A view of the Olazabal Course at Mission Hills Golf Club. The par-72, 7,251-yard course opened in 2003 and was designed by its namesake, the 1994 and 1999 Masters Champion, in collaboration with Schmidt-Curley Design. Sprinkled with nearly 160 bunkers, the layout features significant elevation changes as it weaves through lush, primordial jungle and offers several breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Media-bestowed accolades for the Olazabal Course include ranking as the No. 1 resort course in Asia by Golfing Magazine and the No. 2 golf course in China by Asian Golf Monthly. The signature, 555-yard, par-5 15th is sure to play a significant role in deciding the tournament's outcome. The right-to-left hole doglegs around a large lake and is framed by 24 bunkers. A solid drive in the fairway makes reaching in two a possibility, but caution is advised as the green sits on a peninsula jutting out into the water. The 15th's quintessential risk/reward properties will test a field of 28 two-man teams from every corner of the globe, including nine past Ryder Cup participants: Ben Curtis, Soren Hansen, Miguel-Angel Jimenez, Robert Karlsson, Graeme McDowell, Paul McGinley, Colin Montgomerie, Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson. Also scheduled to compete are former PGA TOUR winners Ryuji Imada, Rory Sabbatini and Brandt Snedeker. "The stage is set for what promises to be an exciting week at Mission Hills," says Tenniel Chu, Executive Director, Mission Hills Golf Club. "We're eager to yet again host the world's best players for golf's closest approximation to the Olympic Games. Our association with the World Cup through 2018 bolsters our position as the nucleus of professional golf in China." The 2007 Omega Mission Hills World Cup ended in dramatic fashion when Scotland made birdie on the third sudden-death playoff hole to defeat the American team of Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum. The two-man teams for the 2008 edition are:
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