Media partner branding at World Celebrity ProAm in Mission Hills Haikou, China
initiatives. Since 2005, we have invested more than $6
million into our junior program.
We work with some of the world’s greatest names in
golf, including Sir Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus, and Annika
Sörenstam. Together, we bring their junior programs to
Asia for the first time. Rory McIlroy and Tseng Yani are two
notable graduates. In late 2018, we also embarked on a new
long-term partnership; Mission Hills is now home to China’s
first PGA of America Academies.
8. Going back to the beginning when your father
founded Mission Hills, he became one of the most
powerful people in golf. What are your earliest
memories of your Father? How would you describe him
in 3 words?
Ken: Our father had very strong Chinese values and
believed in the virtues of diligence and frugality. During
high school, I was earning pocket money by taking up part-
time jobs, which shaped my character today. When I joined
the company, I started from the ground up. I worked to
earn the respect of my seniors and supervisors. Every day,
I would work 12-14 hours and didn’t go on vacation for the
first 3 years. However, that certainly helped me pick up the
ropes quickly. To me, my father was a visionary, a patriot,
and a truly self-made man.
Tenniel: Well, for me, it had to be his tough style of
bringing us up. There were six of us siblings and everyone
had their own roles and duties. I recall during my
upbringing in Canada, he would get me to wash his car
every day at 6 am; even during the winter months. When
he was teaching me how to swim, he used to pick me
up with all my clothes on and throw me into the pool –
expecting me to find a way to survive. So, he really did
always throw us in at the deep end! But for me, he was
disciplined, loving, and a true role model.
9. After purchasing the land in Shenzhen, did your
Father start practicing the game of golf?
Ken: He certainly enjoyed the game and believed in the
game of golf being a business language. So yes, he built a
platform for which he was proud of and learned to love
the sport.
Tenniel: We always joke that people talk politics and
business on the golf course and talk golf in the office! We
have basically created a green office. Many great politicians
and entrepreneurs, like Jack Welch, do a lot of business on
the golf course, and I think it works very well.
10. Do your other siblings have an interest in golf?
Do you think any of your other siblings will join the
Mission Hills team?
Ken: Our younger sister, Catherine, is already onboard the
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Destination Golf .TRAVEL