Mickelson to open golf academy in China

SHANGHAI (AFP) - World number two Phil Mickelson is to open a golf academy in China as part of his plans to help develop the sport in the booming country.

The American said he was designing a par-3 course for children in Kunming to get them playing golf and would also have an academy there to nurture new talent.

"I'm designing a couple of projects here," he said on the sidelines of the WGC-HSBC Champions.

"One is in Kunming and the projects we are doing in Kunming are designed to help grow the game of golf.

"In Kunming we are putting a golf academy and we are putting a par-3 course where kids can enjoy and learn at the grassroots so that 25 years down the road we build support for the game of golf in China."

He has also produced an instructional DVD and book that will be translated into Mandarin.

Mickelson added that he has designed The World Course in Tianjin, his first project outside the United States, which is inspired by great holes from around the world.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to help develop the game in the largest emerging market in the world," he added.

Both Mickelson and Tiger Woods have predicted China will become a golfing powerhouse within 10 to 15 years.