SHENZHEN, China -- The U.K.'s Charlotte Thomas won the inaugural ANNIKA Invitational at Mission Hills by one shot today over China's Ru Qing Guan on the club's Annika Course.
Thomas followed her second-round 68 with a six-under-par 66 for a 54-hole total of 206 (10 under par). Her 66 tied the tournament's low round.
Runner-up Guan, who led by four heading into the final day, shot 71 after rounds of 66 and 70 to win the Under 15 division.
Thailand's Phimnipha Wonwaiwate claimed overall third place with rounds of 68-77-70 (215).
The three won berths in the American Junior Golf Association's (AJGA) February 2012 ANNIKA Invitational in Orlando, Florida. The AJGA is widely regarded as the United States' finest junior golf circuit, and has awarded the ANNIKA Invitational in Orlando two national awards, including "Best Invitational" for girls.
More than 70 players from around the globe traveled to 12-course Mission Hills, the world's largest golf club, to compete in the ANNIKA Invitational. It was the first junior girls-only tournament in China and Asia, and the first ANNIKA Invitational event held outside the United States.
Commenting on the tournament's overall success, host Annika Sorenstam said: "The reason I founded this tournament is to give back to golf to help grow the game globally, especially in Asia. Mission Hills China has been very successful growing the game in China and helping to globalize the game of golf. Everything Mission Hills does is first class, so I certainly will partner with Mission Hills China to have my dream come true."
Winner of 89 professional tournaments (72 on the LPGA Tour) and 10 major championships during her 15-year Hall-of-Fame career, Sorenstam was onsite the entire week hosting skills clinics, dinner receptions and other activities for the competitors.
The Annika Course represents her first foray into golf design. Opened in 2004, highlights include spectacular mountains rising more than 300 feet above fairways and several panoramic vistas of the entire Mission Hills property. Well-manicured landscaping dominates the perimeters of the par 72, creating an aesthetically appealing "botanical" atmosphere.
For additional information visit: www.annikafoundation.org, www.missionhillschina.com.
About the ANNIKA Foundation
The ANNIKA Foundation teaches children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offers aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams.
A non-profit organization founded by Annika in 2008, it held the inaugural ANNIKA Invitational in 2009 at the Reunion Resort in Orlando, FL, home of the ANNIKA Academy. The tournament attracts the top junior female golfers from around the world and is known for Annika's hands-on involvement in all tournament activities, including clinics and educational sessions for the participants.
About Mission Hills Group
The Mission Hills Group, owner and operator of Mission Hills Shenzhen and Mission Hills Hainan, is the pioneer in China's fledgling hospitality, sports and leisure industry.
Mission Hills, recognized as the leading golf brand in the world and synonymous with high-end, luxurious residences of rare and exquisite design, has created two superb leisure and wellness resorts. It has held more than 100 international tournaments, including the 1995 World Cup of Golf and the Tiger Woods China Challenge in 2001. In 2007, Mission Hills began its role as host of an unprecedented 12 editions of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
Mission Hills Shenzhen
Stretching across the lush, rolling hills of southern China, Mission Hills Shenzhen is the country's premier golf club, and also the "World's Largest Golf Club" as accredited by the Guinness World Records. The property is home to 12 signature courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Annika Sorenstam, Ernie Els, Jose Maria Olazabal, Vijay Singh, David Leadbetter, David Duval, Jumbo Ozaki and Zhang Lian Wei.
Mission Hills Shenzhen is a full-service, luxury resort, featuring four clubhouses, three award-winning spas, two five-star hotel, three golf academies (including one from world-renowned instructor Cindy Reid), Asia's largest tennis facility with 51 tennis courts and professional tennis academy, and numerous fine dining establishments serving cuisine from around the world.
Mission Hills Hainan
Mission Hills Hainan lies in the volcanic region of exotic Hainan Island, China. The resort sets a new standard in leisure, recreation and wellness experiences. Nestled amid lush, green gardens, it caters to golf enthusiasts and comprises specially-designed golf courses, each incorporating native lava rock formations. Other state-of-the-art features include 518 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, a three-story clubhouse, China's first Hank Haney Golf Academy, meeting facilities, 12 world-class restaurants, a fully-equipped sports and recreation center, Hainan's only aquatic theme park, therapeutic volcanic mineral springs, a spa oasis, and shopping arcade.
Mission Hills Hainan's Blackstone Course hosted the inaugural Mission Hills Star Trophy in October 2010, a ground-breaking celebrity pro-am golf tournament for Asia. It will also host the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in November 2011. A magnificent addition to Hainan's tropical island paradise, Mission Hills Hainan is poised to become the island's premier sanctuary, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Getting There: Mission Hills Shenzhen is a 45-minute drive from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Mission Hills Hainan is 15 minutes from Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK). Flights from major cities throughout Asia -- including Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore -- to Haikou are available on Air China (Star Alliance member), Asiana (Star Alliance member), China Eastern Airlines (SkyTeam Alliance member), China Southern Airlines (SkyTeam Alliance member), Hainan Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, KLM, Shanghai Airlines (Star Alliance member) and more.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo Communications
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sreynolds@buffalocommunications.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
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David Wood
Buffalo Communications
703.635.0577
dwood@buffalocommunications.com
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