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Swinging with the Stars: Hollywood’s A-list will be joining the world’s top golfers for a week of golf, glamour and gala events at the third Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am in China the weekend of October 24, 2014. The event represents a match of sports and entertainment legends, along with the setting of the world’s largest golf resort, where players will enjoy world-class amenities. The facilities at Mission Hills China will make this event far more than a simple golf tournament. The impressive club boasts the world’s largest spa and mineral springs among its expansive menu of luxury facilities.

Among the stars competing for golf glory will be Morgan Freeman, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Nicole Kidman, and Kenny G. The booming Chinese film industry will also be well represented, and basketball legend Yao Ming will be returning for the second year in a row, bringing national and global attention to the event, further fueling the rapidly growing popularity of golf in China.

Top golfers at the tournament will include 2013 U.S. Open champion Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, multiple Major winners Gary Player and Greg Norman, ex-Masters champion Ian Woosnam, former Open Championship winner Darren Clarke and Europe’s 2014 Ryder Cup Captain, Paul McGinley.

Celebrities will be partnering with golf pros for the tournament, and teams will face off over two rounds of four-ball, in which the best shot advances the team for every stroke. While helping their celebrity partners, the professional golfers will also be competing for an individual prize of $1 million.

Tips from the Pro

Golf enthusiasts at every skill level can take notes from some of the world’s top golfers with tips to improve their game. Hollywood A-listers partnering with golf pros for the Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am tournament this fall have the opportunity to learn from Iain Roberts, master instructor at Mission Hills Golf Academies in China. Roberts’ main message for players is simple: “Don’t listen to your buddies.”

Roberts refers to the following tips as part of the Magnificent Seven. Each is a piece of advice commonly given by well-intentioned golfers, but each can be harmful, so instead heed his guidance to improve your own golf game.

• “Keep your head down.” What they mean is, keep your eyes on the ball. Consider Annika Sorenstam, perhaps the greatest female golfer ever, who would turn her head toward the target at impact.

• “You need to make a big turn.” This is questionable. The ideal upper body rotation in the backswing is 90 degrees and the lower body can turn 45 degrees, but your physical limitation and ability to remain efficient with your swing is more important.

• “Slow down, you’re swinging too fast.” What this means is, start your swing in control and ensure you have the correct sequences. Your swing will become more smooth and will therefore look slower, but the club head speed has increased.

• “Relax, you’re holding the club too tight.” Relaxing your body and grip when you are about to swing a club at 100 miles per hour is not ideal. Having a firm hold on the club helps activate certain muscles in the body and ensures the club face does not open or close or simply come out of your hands at impact.

So grab your clubs, pack your bag, and get ready for the golf adventure of a lifetime!

For more information about the tournament and related activities.