Justin Rose celebrates his victory at Mission Hills

A roar of Olympic proportions was heard at Mission Hills China in celebration of Justin Rose’s thrilling gold-medal win at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The Englishman’s triumph in golf’s return to the Olympics after a 112-year absence, was made sweeter by the fact that the three top podium finishers, including silver medallist Henrik Stenson and bronze medallist Matt Kuchar, have all tasted victory at Mission Hills tournaments.

British champion Rose has had a strong association with Mission Hills in co-designing the Rose-Poulter Course with compatriot Ian Poulter at Mission Hills Dongguan – the same venue where the English duo staged a memorable duel on their signature course in October 2014 when Rose emerged victorious in match play against his good friend.

The victory came only days after Rose starred at the fourth edition of the World Celebrity Pro-Am at Mission Hills Haikou where he won the Professional Individual Title over the Blackstone Course with a five-under score.

He also joined with famed film director Feng Xiaogang to capture the Pro-Celebrity Team Category at the star-studded event.

With their final-round duel in Rio turning into a shot-making classic as Rose pitched to three feet on the last hole and beat Stenson by two strokes, the 2013 US Open champion said the thrilling climax was important for Olympic golf going forward. 

“I don’t know who wouldn’t want to be a part of great competition,” said 36-year-old Rose, the Ryder Cup regular who has won 20 tournaments worldwide.

“I love competition at the highest level and for me, that’s what the Olympics is all about – the best of the best, going head to head.”

Stenson was also grateful for his Olympic experience after a memorable summer that saw him capture his first Major title, the Open Championship, at Royal Troon last month.