Top American golfers need to think more about the honor of representing their country at the World Cup and less about appearance fees, according to Mission Hills Golf Club director Tenniel Chu. The vast $1.5 billion 12-course club was venue for the 55th World Cup last week – the third year of a hosting and co-sponsorship deal that runs until 2018. The field contained three top 10 players but Ireland's Rory McIlroy was one of several players who said they hoped for a return to the days when the very best golfers, such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, competed. One of the main obstacles preventing the highest level field from competing in recent years has been the quality of the United States team, despite the lure of a $5.5 million prize fund. This year, world No. 31 Nick Watney and 134th-ranked John Merrick were the American duo prepared to forego their Thanksgiving holiday. They finished seventh as Italy won the title for the first time. Chu, whose father David built Mission Hills, believes the return of golf to the Olympics for 2016 might help, but the American players needed to think about their priorities. “More and more players are discovering the concept of playing for the honour of your country,” he told Reuters in an interview in the world's largest clubhouse.
