Hong Kong Artisits Golfers Association
Junior Hero Taking Part
Tee Off Ceremony
8 Mission Hills Caddies participated
Michael Baker Finished 180 holes in 3 days
Prize Presentation Dinner |
 |
Golfathon 2005
On 6 November, 100 finalists battled it out on the World Cup Course in hopes of claiming the championship title of the Mission Hills Golfathon 2005. In the end, 肖怡臣 was awarded the Best Gross Award with a limited edition Tag Heuer watch worth HK$10,000.
It was the second time for Tag Heuer to sponsor the champion prizes of all divisions. Although the limited edition Tag Heuer Professional Golf Watch is no longer available in the market, the watch-lover will be happy to hear that the new permanent model of the Tag Heuer Professional Golf Watch by Tiger Woods will soon be launched in December. Other companies such as golf equipment-marker MacGregor,Masker and US Kids also support the event as being the sponsors prize.
After the competition, the golf club held a prize ceremony at the Majestic Court to show appreciation to participants and sponsors. This banquet marked the grand finale of this great event.
Planning the Event
When the weather began cooling down, the golf club planted grass for cold climates to keep the putting green thriving and to maintain a certain putting speed for the final competition. The club also increased the frequency of lawn watering and trimmed down the various plants on the fairway. Special maintenance procedures were performed on the teeing box. The club ensured the golf course was in its best condition so finalists could be at their best during the final competition.
Planning for this event was finalized in May, with a special logo designed for the Golfathon and a competition handbook created for each player. To further motivate participants, a count-down system for the final was introduced to reward players who could finish nine competitions within seven days. Though there were only four months of semifinal competitions this year, which was two months shorter than last year, the number of participants was double that of last year's. Many members said that they enjoyed the more competitive atmosphere this time around. In response to everyone's positive feedback, the organizing representative Mr. Fung said, “I believe we will bring everybody another perfect and brilliant Golfathon the coming year.”
Meaningful Numbers
In the four months of the Golfathon, some interesting numbers emerged.
500
More than 500 golfers participated in this competition with half of them had joined last year's Golfathon and some of whom brought their families and friends to play together. Two special teams were present this year. One was the HKAGA team formed by 40 TV and movie stars with ten played in the final round of the competition. Eight elite caddies from the golf club, who took the 180-hole challenge as a chance to better understanding about the sport, formed the other team.
12
The participants of the Golfathon this year came from more than 12 countries and territories: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the U.K., Canada, Germany, Australia, The Netherlands, the U.S., Singapore, Indonesia, Italy and Korea. This competition helped fulfill one of Mission Hills' main missions, which is to gather golf lovers from around the world to play together on its great selection of courses.
68 and 7
Among all the participants, the oldest one was 68 years old and the youngest one was seven years old. The lowest handicap of the players was 2.
24
From the 100 semifinalists, there were 24 senior players and their percentage of getting to the final competition was the highest among all groups. With a combination of focus and determination, they beat out many young players and won their way to the finals.
8
In the semifinals, eight players finished all nine competitions in seven days. They were awarded with special prizes prepared by the golf club, such as free golf lessons and spa treatments. Michael Baker, a Canadian who finished all nine competitions within the shortest time of 72 hours, got into the finals with a 5th place in the semifinals and won first place in the final game.
The spirit of a marathon represents perseverance and continuous progress. Organizers plan the Mission Hills Golfathon with hopes that as the golfers challenge themselves in the competitions, they also make new friends, and enjoy good health and great happiness.
|
