The “Father of Golf” in China, Dr David Chu, will be posthumously honoured during a special ceremony at the 2011 Asia Pacific Golf Summit in Pattaya,Thailand on 31 October.
As the founder and great visionary behind China’s Mission Hills Group – owner and operator of the world’s two largest golf facilities – Dr. Chu will be inducted into the Asia Pacific Golf Hall Of Fame.
“My father was a visionary in every sense of the word and an inspiration to all of us” says Dr. Ken Chu, Executive Vice Chairman of Mission Hills Group. “His keen foresight and sheer determination made Mission Hills a place where the impossible becomes possible. His remarkable generosity and drive to make a difference will forever guide our thoughts and actions as we carry forward his legacy.”
“Our entire family is deeply touched by this tribute,” says Tenniel Chu, Vice Chairman, Mission Hills Golf Club. “During this very difficult time, it reminds us that my father led an extraordinary life and left a legacy that will be felt around the world for generations to come. I humbly accept the invitation to the Asia Pacific Golf Summit to receive the award on his behalf.”
In memory of Dr Chu, a proposed ceremony will involve the following:
- Screening of a special two-minute video tribute to Dr David Chu and his contributions to golf.
- Observance of a one-minute moment of silence before the Summit starts.
Brian Curley of Schmidt-Curley Design, who worked very closely with Dr Chu for more than 15 years, will deliver a special eulogy.
Born in Hong Kong in 1950, Dr. Chu was one of China’s most renowned entrepreneurs. Under his leadership and guidance, Mission Hills Group turned wasteland into the acclaimed international leisure destination, Mission Hills Golf Club.
Occupying 20 square kilometres between Shenzhen and Dongguan, it has been accredited the “World’s Largest Golf Club” by the Guinness World Records. Its unquestioned success marked China’s arrival as a major force in international golf. Ever the pioneer, Dr Chu also brought the first professional golf tournament to China, the 41st World Cup, in 1995. Moreover, he was instrumental in 2007’s historic agreement to host 12 consecutive editions of the World Cup at Mission Hills.
Dr Chu recently turned his attention to a new development project onHainanIsland, Mission Hills Haikou. The resort is key to the Chinese government’s ambitious plans to makeHainanthe world’s leading tourism destination by 2020. The golf courses, accommodations and amenities have received unanimous praise since opening last year. The Mission Hills Spa and Volcanic Mineral Springs are latest additions to the Haikou resort.
As a man with many interests and passions, Dr Chu’s influence extended beyond the world of golf. Well-respected inChina’s business, cultural and sports circles, he was Strategic Advisor to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Bid Committee and several of the country’s sport associations. Dr Chu’s Olympic duties were crucial to the realization of China’s dream to host the Summer Games. In honour of his contributions, in 2005 he became the first member of the country’s sports and leisure industry to have No. 4988 asteroid named after him.
A firm believer in cross-cultural education programs for academic advancement, Dr Chu supported many institutions of higher learning on the mainland, inHong Kongand overseas. He also established many charitable causes, donating approximately HK$500 million to help those in need.
Dr Chu held an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Toronto and was awarded the title of Justice of the Peace and “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” (Knight of Art and Culture) by the French Ministry of Culture. He was also a member of the 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th National Chinese People’s Political Consultative Council (CPPCC) and Vice President of 10th and 11th CPPCC Committee for Handling Proposals.
Asia Pacific Golf Summit www.golfconference.org