Mickelson designs The World Course in China

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Speaking in Shanghai on the eve of the WGC-HSBC Champions this week, Phil Mickelson announced that he has designed The World Course in Tian Jin, China. It is his first project outside the United States and the second completed by Phil Mickelson Design. Scheduled to open in 2010, The World Course also will feature a Mickelson Smith Teaching Academy and a museum that celebrates golf's key courses, players and moments.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to help develop the game in the largest emerging market in the world," said Mickelson, who visited the site last month on his way the Barclays Singapore Open. "The course looks spectacular, better than I could have imagined. Our partners have done a fabulous job in the construction and although there are plans for many courses in China we believe this is going to be one of the very best."

The World Course is a tribute to some of golf's outstanding architects' work on classic courses from Australia to North America and the United Kingdom. The core golf venue is to be the centerpiece of a massive new community located about 30 minutes southeast of Beijing by bullet train. By 2014 the Shining Star development is expected to be home to 70,000 people.

"Obviously we don't have the same land as the original holes do," Mickelson said, "but the challenges on each of these holes are the same or very similar to the ones on the originals and we're very proud of bringing the owner's vision to life. Our architect, Joe Obringer, and Rick Smith have been extremely helpful in our partnership."

Obringer, the founder of JFO Golf Design, has worked in China for several years and has several notable courses open for play. Smith has designed award-wining venues and as a leading golf instructor will help implement the Mickelson Smith Academy at Tian Jin. Mickelson Design is also in the early planning stages for three courses in southern China.