Despite owning championship golf courses and luxury resorts in China, it was Noosa that captured the hearts of influential Chinese businessman Feng Di, and his son Shan.

The pair arrived in town this week to formally take over the Noosa Springs resort for an undisclosed amount and announce their plans for the future.

The Feng’s multi-national corporation has completed major real estate developments across China, including the impressive Dragon Lakes Resort in Guangzhou. Occupying 14 square kilometres, the resort incorporates two 27-hole championship golf courses, a five star luxury hotel, recreational and commercial areas and multiple residential zones.

But despite being so impressive it was chosen to host the prestigious PGA event, The Royal Trophy, it seems the Fengs had more fun on the golf course at Noosa Springs!

“We saw kangaroos and koalas while we were playing and that has never happened before,” Mr Feng said.

The new owners of Noosa Springs have big plans for the future of the resort.

But it seems those plans include the current staff.

Former owners Alan and Phil Starkey confirmed that all 97 staff had been re-employed by the Feng’s Australia arm, Noosa Springs Investment Pty Ltd.

It was likely this key point was one of the many reasons the Starkeys chose the Fengs as the new owners.

Phil Starkey said there had been a lot of interest in the resort from potential buyers but it was felt the Feng’s family approach to business and the community fitted the bill.

Was it hard to let go?

“We’ve been in Noosa for 35 years, so yes,” said architect Alan Starkey, the man who created the Noosa Springs concept and drew inspiration from the best examples of US and Australian country club design.

“I have mixed emotions – I’ve personally been here for 19 years,” Phil Starkey said.

“But I am confident that Mr Feng can take it to a new level that we couldn’t.”

Both Alan and Phil paid tribute to their families, and to the staff, who they described as being like extended family.

The Fengs said they had no plans to change the facilities at this point. They will now “sell” the concept of coming to Noosa to play golf to their many club members in China.

With direct flights to Brisbane, the Fengs plan to put together golf packages to bring more Chinese visitors to the Coast.

They have also formed an association with IMG Golf, a major international agency with superstars like Ernie Els and Yani Tseng on its books, and has asked it to start arrangements to bring in established golf tournaments.

The Feng’s Chinese resort, Dragon Lake, was the venue for the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.

“Our goal is to realise the potential of Noosa Springs and to bring golfers from around the world to experience the best that Noosa Springs can offer,” Mr Feng said.