RELATED STORIES Fortis Int'l Challenge returns to Kota Permai Poland to host European World Cup qualifier Liang and Zhang see boost for Chinese golf in World Cup 2007 Omega Mission Hills World Cup home page 2007: Mission finally accomplished for Scotland 2007 Fortis International Challenge home page MORE ASIAN GOLF NEWS Han Will Speak At IHT Sports Summit Volvik Agree With Asian Tour Over Sponsorship Memories Inspire Rai In Singapore Break Gives Mamat Route To Success Singapore Classic Welcomes Kia Motors PGA Malaysia Moves To OneAsia CCM Extends Sponsorship Of Impian Masters Faldo To Play In Pro-Am In Cambodia

Venezuela to host World Cup qualifier

The Caracas Country Club in Venezuela will have the honour of hosting the South American qualifying tournament for the 2008 Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

The Marriott Venezuela Playa Grande Nations Cup will take place from October 7-10 and will offer three qualifying places into the US$5.5 million Omega Mission Hills World Cup itself which will be played at Mission Hills Golf Club from November 27-30.

The 72 hole tournament for two-man teams will be played under the same format as the Omega Mission Hills World Cup itself; ie Fourball competition on the first and third days with Foursomes competition on the second and fourth days.

The competition is open to national teams from any region in the world as are the other two qualifying tournaments; in Asia – the Fortis International Challenge at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 18-21; and in Europe – at the Sierra Golf Club in Pêtkowice, Poland, from September 25-28.

The Caracas Country Club measures 6,600 yards and plays to a par of 71. The club was founded in 1918 and moved to its current location in 1930, where it has hosted several tournaments of great tradition in South America.

The Tour de las Americas will conduct the qualifying tournament on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours and TLA Commissioner Henrique Lavie said: “Once again we are very proud about conducting one of the most exciting events of the season. We expect twelve to fifteen teams coming to defend their national pride as they try to make the field of an event of great tradition such as the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.”

The Official World Golf Ranking will determine the first 18 nations to qualify for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup itself, with the top three teams from the South American, European and Asian qualifying tournaments earning their places as well in the final field.

Host nation China will complete the 28 nation line-up but if they happen to qualify in the first 18 nations from the Official World Golf Ranking, the 28th and final place will go to the qualifying tournament which boasts the largest number of entries.

August 6, 2008