Only time will tell if Chu's faith in the project proves founded, but the Mission Hills group has already established itself as a host venue of leading professional tournaments.

Last year the Hainan Island development staged the World Cup teams event for the first time, taking over from the Mission Hills complex at Shenzen.

This year Shenzen was the venue of the prestigious HSBC-World Golf Championship event, won by Englishman Ian Poulter.

The Ryder Cup hero conquered the conventional bunker-bound Olazabal course in 21 under par, but knowing Poulter's reputation as a golfing trendsetter, he will probably be itching to test his mettle on Curley's new wacky creation at the first opportunity.