NBA All-Star guard Allen Iverson putts during the star-studded celebrity tournament. [Photo/VCG]

China's Li Haotong, 21, who won the European Tour's Volvo China Open earlier this year, delighted the home crowd and collected one of the biggest checks of his career by holding off a late challenge to win the title of the pro event on Sunday.

Like Iverson and Yao, most of the sports celebrities were new to golf.

Luis Garcia, former Liverpool legend, was inspired to play with ex-teammates Robbie Fowler and Gary McAllister.

"I'm pretty new to golf but will be spending more time playing in England," said Garcia.

Added former Manchester United star Paul Scholes: "I was nervous as hell out there. It gets the adrenalin going and gives you the nervous energy that you miss after retiring from football."

Hollywood legends Michael Douglas and Jeremy Renner were among the stars playing alongside the elite golfers for the celebrity title, which was won by Chinese actor Man Wenjun.

Citing the Mission Hills development philosophy of "golf and more", Chu said the tournament would help to promote golf in China and boost exchanges in various industries.

"It is more than a golf tournament. It is all about crossover - in different industries from film to football, and from basketball to Hollywood celebrities," he said.

"Our common purpose this week was to bring the world to China, and China to the world through golf."

Chu was also upbeat about the legacy of the tournament, which was televised to more than 200 countries and regions.

"Whether it was the fans at Mission Hills Haikou or those watching at home, I hope they are inspired to take up golf, because that is what this event is all about, bringing golf to a new audience and allowing everyone to share in this great game."

qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn