English version Top Hotels STAGE SET FOR WORLD CELEBRITY PRO-AM

STAGE SET FOR WORLD CELEBRITY PRO-AM

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Stars of film, TV and music will head to China this October for the third edition of the Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am - Asia's biggest sports and show business event.

The personality-packed spectacular sees elite professional golfers paired with celebrities for three days of golf, entertainment, media interviews and world class wining and dining. The globally-televised event will be held from 24-26 October at Mission Hills Haikou on the paradise island of Hainan.

Ryder Cup heroes Justin Rose and Ian Poulter have been confirmed to play, together with five stars from the Ladies European Tour - Danielle Montgomery, Carly Booth, Joanna Klatten, Linda Wessberg and Caroline Martens.

"The first two editions of the World Celebrity Pro-Am have featured some of the top names in movies, music and sport, and the tournament in October will be the biggest and best yet," said Mission Hills Group Vice Chairman Mr Tenniel Chu.

"We will see stars of East and West coming together for a spectacular event that is truly global in its impact. At the centre of it all is the golf and it is fantastic news that we will have two of the game's best players.

"Justin Rose is the reigning US Open champion while Ian Poulter won the WGC-HSBC Champions at Mission Hills Shenzhen 18 months ago. Both players are multiple winners on the PGA and European Tours.

"Meanwhile, our five guest players from the Ladies European Tour will bring glamour, sophistication and world class golfing talent to our event."

The women golfers joined today's launch press conference at Mission Hills Haikou, where they are currently playing in the World Ladies Championship.

"I played in the previous World Celebrity Pro-Am and it's the best event I've ever been involved in," said English star Montgomery. "The resort here at Haikou is amazing and we get to meet and play golf with stars from other sports and some world famous celebrities."

Scottish player Booth caused a sensation at the press conference when she demonstrated her unusual warm-up routine for golf - walking back and forth across the stage on her hands.

Asked which male movie star she would like to be paired with, Norwegian ace Martens responded: "The list of stars who have played in the tournament is fantastic, so it is too difficult to say. But I'm really excited to find out who I will be playing with when the tournament comes around."

French golfer Klatten had no doubts. "I hope they can invite Kevin Costner. He would be perfect!" she laughed.

The World Celebrity Pro-Am will start with a practice round followed by a Red Carpet Gala Dinner and Opening Ceremony. The tournament will be played over two rounds on Mission Hills Haikou's signature Blackstone Course, with each of the 24 professional players teaming up with a celebrity.

American ace Matt Kuchar and film star Andy Garcia won the team trophy in the last event, with Kuchar also collecting the top individual prize.