In the world of golf, few tournaments carry the weight and prestige of the World Cup of Golf. While its history spans multiple decades and continents, one of its most memorable editions took place at The Mines Resort & Golf Club in Malaysia in 1999. This was more than just another international golf event—it was a defining moment that placed The Mines Resort & Golf Club on the global stage, showcasing its world-class course and reaffirming Malaysia’s place in elite golf.
A Historic Milestone for Malaysia
When Malaysia was chosen as the host nation for the 1999 World Cup of Golf, it marked a historic first for the country. Malaysia had never before staged a tournament of this magnitude, and The Mines Resort & Golf Club was selected as the venue due to its stunning transformation from a mining wasteland into a championship golf course.
The Mines Golf was no ordinary golf course—it was built on the world’s largest open-cast tin mine, a site that had been rehabilitated and designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course featured lush fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and dramatic elevation changes, making it a true test for the world’s top golfers.
A Star-Studded Tournament
The 1999 World Cup of Golf, held from November 18 to 21, brought together 32 teams from around the world, each consisting of two players competing for their country. But among all the elite players, one name stood out—Tiger Woods.
At just 23 years old, Woods had already won The Masters in 1997 and had firmly established himself as the biggest name in golf. He partnered with Mark O’Meara, his close friend and mentor, to represent Team USA. Their presence alone elevated the tournament’s prestige, drawing significant international media attention to The Mines Golf.
Other notable competitors included:
Santiago Luna & Miguel Ángel Martín (Spain)
Colin Montgomerie & Paul Lawrie (Scotland)
Retief Goosen & David Frost (South Africa)
Frank Nobilo & Greg Turner (New Zealand)
With such a world-class lineup, golf fans were in for an unforgettable showdown.
The Tournament: A Show of Dominance
The format of the World Cup of Golf combined individual and team play, where each golfer’s score contributed to their team's total. As the tournament progressed, Team USA quickly emerged as the dominant force. By the final round, Woods and O’Meara had established a commanding lead over their competitors. With a total score of 545 (−23), Team USA cruised to victory by five strokes over Spain, securing the World Cup of Golf title.
Tiger Woods’ Individual Brilliance
Though Woods and O’Meara won the team title, Tiger had another prize in sight—the International Trophy, awarded to the best individual scorer of the tournament.
With flawless execution, precision putting, and unmatched consistency, Woods finished a staggering nine strokes ahead of New Zealand’s Frank Nobilo. His performance set a record for the largest margin of victory in the individual standings at the World Cup.
The Eagle That Defined the Tournament
One of the most legendary moments of the tournament came during the final round on the par-5 17th hole.
Tiger Woods unleashed a towering second shot that soared over the water and landed beautifully on the green. He then drained an eagle putt, securing the most talked-about moment of the tournament.
The crowd erupted in excitement, and that shot remains one of the defining highlights of The Mines Resort & Golf Club’s storied history.
The Lasting Impact on The Mines Resort & Golf Club
Hosting the 1999 World Cup of Golf solidified The Mines Resort & Golf Club as a top-tier international golfing destination. Following this historic event, the club continued to attract major tournaments, including:
The Women’s World Cup of Golf (2000)
Malaysian Open (2003, 2024)
The CIMB Classic (2010–2012)
The 29th SEA Games Golf Tournament (2017)
Beyond professional golf, The Mines Golf became an aspirational venue for amateur golfers, corporate events, and high-profile members. Its combination of championship-level challenge, historical significance, and natural beauty makes it one of Malaysia’s most sought-after courses.
A Legacy That Lives On
The 1999 World Cup of Golf at The Mines Resort & Golf Club remains one of the most important moments in Malaysian golf history. It was a tournament that brought global recognition to the course, showcased Malaysia’s ability to host world-class sporting events, and delivered unforgettable performances from some of the greatest players in the game.
Even today, as golfers walk the fairways of The Mines Golf, they do so knowing they are following in the footsteps of legends. And for those who remember, the echoes of Tiger Woods’ eagle on the 17th still resonate—a reminder of the magic that unfolded on these hallowed greens.
Would you like to relive history? Experience The Mines Resort & Golf Club and play where champions walked. Book your tee time today!
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