Beijing: The US PGA continued its courtship of Chinese golf on Friday by creating an award to recognise "outstanding contributions" to the growth of the sport in the world's most populous country.
The award is named after the developer of the 12-course Mission Hills golf complex in southern China, David Chu, who was also the first recipient of the bronze medal which bears his likeness.
"Doctor Chu's legacy is one of a pioneer, visionary and philanthropist," said US PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, who presented the award.
"Thanks to his efforts, Mission Hills has provided a platform for golf in China to take root, grow and flourish -- the effects of which are certain to exceed all expectations in the years to come."
Chu was behind world number one Tiger Woods's first visit to China in 2001 and the Mission Hills club, which will host the World Cup of Golf for the fourth time later this month, is the largest golf facility in the world.
The US PGA tour has been building close ties with the China Golf Association (CGA) and sanctioned the first World Golf Championship (WGC) event in Asia at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai last week.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, November 13, 2009, 10:31