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This is a challenging course on a flat terrain with strategically placed
lakes, creeks and bunkers. Players will enjoy seeing miniatures of notable
sights in Japan and China such as Mt. Fuji between the 8th and 18th hole,
Great Wall of China crossing the 4th hole and Yangtze River running along
the left side of the 9th hole. A PGA European Tournament, the BMW Open
has been held here every year. Luxury homes and modern buildings surround
the course now. When it opened in 1997, there was nothing but green and
houses sparsely surrounding the course. The pace of development in Shanghai
has been spectacular the past 8 years. New buildings have gone up one
after another around the course.
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A straight hole which becomes a monster 490 yards long par4 on pro tournament.
Stone wall 1.5 meters (5 ft.) high called “Great Wall of China” crosses
the fairway 90 yards in front of the green. The second shot is over the
great wall. |
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A left dogleg with OB and trees on the left. The bunker on the left side
of the fairway is 250 yards off the tee. The fairway is tight and the accurate
tee shot is needed. The second shot is gentle uphill. |
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A unique hole with a pot bunker in the center of the green. Mounds surround
the green, so bad shots might end up on the fringe or even on the green.
On the contrary, good shots aiming the dead center of the green unfortunately
might end up in the bunker. This par 3 is not well-designed but also a rarity.
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| A straight “signature hole”. Bunkers on both sides of the
tight fairway come into play on the tee shot. On the second shot, you see
a hill shaped like Mt. Fuji and you hit over a lake to the beautiful on
the third shot. An accurate approach shot is needed as the green touches
water not only on the left but also on the front. My friend several years
ago sliced the ball and hit the small rocks of Mt. Fuji, which image the
snow near the summit. Then, the ball bounced to land just at the top of
the mountain. It seems that he conquered Mt. “Golfing” Fuji. |
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A dogleg to the right. A series of bright white bunkers are positioned along
both sides of the fairway.
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| A difficult straight hole. There is a large bunker,
260 yards off the tee, awaiting your bad shots. The second shot is demanding
as the front edge of the green faces water. |
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A beautiful par 3 over a lake. The very wide green is squeezed by water
on the front and bunkers at the back, so the right club selection is crucial
on this hole. The green is triple tiered with the concaved center. |
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It takes 50 minutes from Central Shanghai. Visitors need to have a member’s
introductions on weekdays and to be accompanied by a member on weekends.
Visitors can also book playing through travel agencies or 5 star hotels
it cooperate with. The clubhouse facility is good. There is a Jacuzzi
bath and a sauna. The view overlooking the course from the restaurant
is superb.
The longest tees of 7340 yards are open only to pros and professional
tournaments. Even advanced players must play from 6830 yard black tees,
which is 500 yards shorter. I think it is a shame that single-handicapped
members and visitors are not allowed to use the championship tees although
the tees are readily available.
The other Shunsuke Kato designed courses in Japan are Thaiheyo
Club – Gotemba Course, West Course, Karuiza Course, Sagami Course,
Takahara Course, Ichihara Course & Mashiko
PGA Course, Setonaikai GC, Hanna GC, and Kyushu GC – Yahata Course.
He redesigned Katayamazu GC – Hakusan Course & Kaga Course. His overseas
designs are Palm Lakes
(棕梠湖) R, Lily (立益) G&CC, Yong Han
(永漢) GC in Taiwan and Chung Ju (清州) CC in
Korea.
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4th Par 4 413 yards (2)