News Digest - 21/09/2007

Rose and Poulter team up again

Justin Rose and Ian Poulter are best mates on and off the course and they will now team up for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup of Golf in November.

Poulter has been a consistent challenger in events on both sides of the Atlantic, including making the halfway cut in all four Majors ? one of only seven players to do so. Rose was another to achieve that same feat and he recently took Luke Donald?s status as Britain?s number one player by climbing to a career-high 13th in the World Rankings.

The 27-year-old finished second in 2004 when teamed with Paul Casey, but he and Poulter have a good record together in the Tavistock Cup so it is hoped that that they could bring the trophy back to England for the first time since 2004 when Casey and Donald were victorious.

On a Mission

Mission Hills Golf Club is renowned for its massive collection of golf courses ? however it has now introduced two new layouts, bringing the total number of holes to 216.

The choice available was already huge, however Pete Dye?s first ever course in China and a par-3 course designed by Chinese golfing hero Zhang Lian Wei have added yet more variety.

The Dye course is notably different to the other layouts at Mission Hills as it rolls through the hills for 6,800-yards offering a unique visual experience and incorporating all of his usual trademarks, including small pot bunkers.

The par-3 course is already becoming famous for its green designs that are based on famous venues around the world, such as the Road Hole at St Andrews and the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon.

?We are excited to add our 11th and 12th courses, and to present our members and guests with 216 holes of outstanding, world-class golf,? says Dr David Chu, chairman of the Mission Hills Group.

LGU announces winter training squad

The Ladies' Golf Union has named a youthful squad for its winter training scheme as it prepares the players for major events in 2008, including the Curtis Cup.

Among the 18 players named are three members of the European Junior Solheim Cup-winning side in the shape of Sally Watson, Florentyna Parker and Henrietta Brockway.

The nucleus of the squad is formed, as expected, by the Vagliano Trophy team ? all nine members are selected ? with 2006 Curtis Cup participants Melissa Reid, Tara Delaney, Naomi Edwards and Breanne Loucks all expected to be involved again.

?We have named a bigger squad than usual ? 18 players ? as five of them are US-based and one in Germany and these six might be unable to attend every session.

?It is an exceptionally strong squad and every player will have a realistic chance of being selected, even the younger players who this year have performed really well.

?Two in particular had an outstanding Home International series at Dunbar, Rachel Jennings of England totalling five and a half points out of six and 15-year-old Carly Booth winning five points out of six for Scotland.

?Curtis Cup captain Mary McKenna and the training committee have devised a preparation programme which features a lot of competitive play, and the selectors will be looking at results over the winter, as well as past performances when we come to select the GB&I Curtis Cup team in early spring of next year,? said Gillian Kirkwood, chairman of the International Selection Committee.

Kemp is PowerPlay Champion

David Kemp has been crowned the UK?s first National PowerPlay champion after emerging victorious at Hampton Court Palace Golf Club.

The 20-year-old from Guildford totaled 34pts thanks to a mix of exceptional course management and high-quality golf, most in evidence by his decision to play safe at the last in the knowledge he needed just two points for victory.

?I am absolutely delighted. In fact, to become the first PowerPlay golf champion anywhere in the world is amazing,? said the 3-handicapper, who had to contend with a film crew from Setanta filming his 15ft birdie attempt on the last green.

?I love the format. It?s quick, it?s exciting and it really makes you think about when to attack and when to defend. It has a real future in golf and I?ll be defending my title next year for sure.?

Liang targets Hong Kong Open

The UBS Hong Kong Open takes place in November but one player already has his eye on the grand prize.

Liang Wenchong is a man in form and he believes that adding to his maiden tour victory at the Singapore Masters would be the perfect way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the former British colony?s return to Chinese rule.

"I know there have been celebrations all year in Hong Kong to mark the 10th anniversary of the handover.

"It would be a dream come true for me to become the first mainland Chinese to win the UBS Hong Kong Open and to do it in such an important year would be extra special.

"It would also be a huge inspiration to all the up-and-coming professionals in China."

The 29-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career having added seven top-10 finishes to his win in Singapore, leaving him on top of the Asian Tour Money List.

"It has been a fantastic year and obviously winning the Singapore Masters has been a major highlight.

"To achieve my first European and Asian Tour victory was a great moment for me.

"It will be tough in Hong Kong because there will be some world class players taking part, but I will be doing my best and my victory in Singapore has given me a lot of confidence," he added.