Brothers in arms at OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup

Italy’s defending champions, Edoardo and Francesco Molinari, will face some stiff competition not only to retain the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup but also for the honour of being golf’s leading brothers, with Columbia and Portugal both represented by siblings in China.

Camilo and Manuel Villegas will form the Colombian challenge for the prestigious title at Mission Hills Resort, Hainan Island, China, from November 24-27, while Ricardo and Hugo Santos will be hoping to capture a first World Cup for Portugal.

The three sets of brothers are among 28 teams of two players representing their countries, with five Major Champions – including current Masters Tournament winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and US Open Champion Rory McIlroy of Ireland – also in the field.

They will all be trying to succeed the Molinari brothers who became the first brother combination to win the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup in 2009 when they finished one stroke clear of Ireland’s Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy and Sweden, represented by Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson.

Camilo Villegas will be making his second appearance at the World Cup, having finished T14 with Manuel Merizalde in 2006. His brother Manuel will be playing the event for the first time, as the pair attempt to follow in the footsteps of the Molinaris.

“I’m especially looking forward to playing in the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup this year, because not only is it an honour to be able to represent Colombia on the golf course, but it will be a thrill to be able to do it as a team with my brother, Manny,” said Camilo. “We both want to go to China in November to make our country, and our family, proud.”

Similarly Ricardo Santos, who is currently third on the European Challenge Tour Rankings, has made one World Cup appearance in 2008, finishing tied for 13^thwith partner Tiago Cruz.

The Molinari brothers’ victory in 2009 was part of a wonderful two years for the duo, with Edoardo capping a stunning season that saw him finish top of the Challenge Tour Rankings with three wins and record earnings. For both players the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup win proved to be the catalyst for even greater achievements in 2010.

Between them they won three European Tour titles – Francesco at the WGC-HSBC Champions and Edoardo at the Barclays Scottish Open and the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles - and in October they helped Europe to Ryder Cup glory over the United States.

2011 OMEGA MISSION HILLS WORLD CUP FIELD:

ABOUT OMEGA

Since it was founded in 1848, OMEGA has been defined by its pioneering spirit and its innovative watchmaking. OMEGA is closely involved with a world of achievements including the conquest of space and the oceans’ depths, unparalleled experience in sports timekeeping and the establishment of more records for accuracy than any other watch brand. OMEGA is also a Main Partner in the Solar Impulse project, which aims to circle the globe in an airplane powered only by the sun. The brand's Co-Axial movements are widely considered to be among the world’s finest.

ABOUT MISSION HILLS HAINAN

Mission Hills Hainan lies on the volcanic region of exotic Hainan Island, China. The resort sets a new standard in leisure, recreation and wellness experiences. Nestled amid lush, green gardens, the resort caters to golf enthusiasts and comprises special golf courses designed by Brian Curley, each one incorporating the native lava rock formations. Other state-of-the-art features include 518 tastefully appointed guest rooms and suites, a three-storey clubhouse, meeting facilities, 12 world-class restaurants, a fully-equipped sports and recreation center, Hainan’s only aquatic theme park, therapeutic natural mineral springs, a spa oasis and a shopping arcade. A magnificent addition to Hainan’s tropical island paradise, Mission Hills Hainan is poised to be the island’s premier sanctuary, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Conveniently located in Haikou city, the administrative and legislative hub of Hainan, Mission Hills Hainan is just 15 minutes from the city center and Haikou Meilan International Airport.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION

Established by industrialist John Jay Hopkins in 1953, the International Golf Association has pursued the mission of "International Goodwill through Golf" for over fifty years.  As the owner of the World Cup name, IGA has sanctioned the world's most prestigious international team golf competition throughout six decades.  IGA is governed by its Board of Directors, which includes Chairman Jonathan S. Linen (Advisor to the Chairman, American Express), Deane R. Beman (Former PGA TOUR Commissioner), J. B. McCoy (Retired Chairman, Bank One Corporation) and Bill Souders (Former Executive Vice-President and Director, Xerox Corporation).

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PGA TOURS

The International Federation of PGA Tours, formed in 1996, was created to enhance the competitive structure of professional golf worldwide while preserving the traditions and strengths of the six member Tours. The member Tours are the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour. The Canadian Tour and the Tour de las Americas are Associate Members of the Federation.  Three major initiatives were outlined: the formation of the International Federation of PGA Tours; joint sanctioning by the members of the International Federation of PGA Tours of significant competitions for the game's top players; and a structure for a generally accepted worldwide ranking system.