PGA TOUR creates David Chu Award

The award itself is an 8 cm x 8 mm bronze medal bearing Dr. Chu's likeness and featuring text in English and Chinese on either side. It is anticipated that in future years the award will be given in Dr. Chu's name to other worthy recipients who have been instrumental in developing golf in China.

"Dr. Chu's legacy is one of a pioneer, visionary and philanthropist," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, who was on hand today at Mission Hills Golf Club to present 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. We are grateful for our continued partnership with Dr. Chu and Mission Hills, and we are proud to honor him with this award."

"It is a tremendous honor to be receiving this award, and a reward that I humbly accept on behalf of everyone who has put their passion and energy into making Mission Hills the cradle of golf in China and bringing this wonderful sport to the Chinese people," said Dr. Chu at the awards ceremony. "I thank the PGA Tour and stand committed to its vision to make this honorable award an instrument to motivate and recognize those whose dedication to golf produces a lasting legacy and positive results for the sport in China."

Recognizing the importance of bringing the world's best to China to spark public interest in golf, Dr. Chu's positioning of Mission Hills as a venue for world-class events began when he secured Mission Hills as the site of the 1995 World Cup of Golf. The event marked the first time golf was televised live in China. In doing so, the tournament set in motion golf's exploding popularity as the number of golfers rose from 50,000 to 250,000 within two years. More importantly, the country proved it was eager and ready to use sports -- golf in particular -- as a vehicle to bring the world to China and China to the world.

In 2001, Dr. Chu invited Tiger Woods to Mission Hills for a tournament in his honor during his first trip to China. While matching Woods against China's best professional golfers, Mission Hills demonstrated in inspiring fashion that golf in China was taking root. 

In 2004, Mission Hills was recognized as the world's largest golf facility by the Guinness World Records. The club's record-setting pace of course construction -- which had brought its overall number of courses from five to ten within a 14-month period -- did not end there. In 2007, its 11th and 12th courses were added to celebrate Mission Hills' 12-year anniversary.

Dr. Chu soon turned his attention to junior golf development. He brought in the world's leading golf instructors and touring professionals to a new generation of Chinese players. In 2006, Mission Hills became home of the Faldo Series Asia, and 2008 saw Jack Nicklaus partner with the club to create the Mission Hills Jack Nicklaus Junior Championship. Earlier this year, The Masters and The R&A chose Mission Hills to become the inaugural host of the Asian Amateur Championship.

In 2007, the International Federation of Golf Tours sought a home for the World Cup in a region that held significant promise for the sport's future development. An unprecedented deal was reached, naming Mission Hills as the long-term host of the event. Fulfilling this role for the third consecutive year in 2009, Mission Hills will host the 55^th World Cup of Golf, November 26-29.

As Strategic Advisor to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Bid Committee, Dr. Chu played a crucial role in securing the Games for China. He is also Vice-Chairman of the China Football Association, China Tennis Association, China Volleyball Association and China Golf Association.

A reputed philanthropist, Dr. Chu has donated over US$75 million to charitable causes, including disaster relief efforts and the promotion of education and sports. After the 2008 Sichuan earthquake disaster, he established "Dr. David Chu's Care Fund for Orphans" and donated more than $US3 million to help cover the future living expenses and educational needs of those orphaned by the tragedy.