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| This is a flat course where water hazards such as lakes
and creeks come into play on every hole. It also features tremendously big
greens and almost twice as big as ordinary greens, so 3 putts are likely
when the ball is on the green but far away from the pin position. Natural
lakes and creeks are beautiful and the landscaping of bunkers and undulating
fairways is excellent. However, the layout is a little extreme because there
are water hazards always on the right on all holes except par 3s; it will
torture beginners who are left to right hitters and advanced players may
feel it is monotonous. The total yardage is over 7200, which should satisfy
long hitters. Currently, 36 holes are available: this Lakes Course and the
Forest Course opened in 2005. It seems that another 18 holes, called the
Garden Course, will be opened, so there will be a huge resort complex with
3 golf courses and a hotel. |
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A long and straight hole. A lake on the right of the fairway turns
into a creek and crosses the fairway. The green is deep but not wide
and is guarded by bunkers on both sides. |
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A very long par 3 where you use a driver or 3 wood. Ever if you hit the
green in regulation, there is a risk of 3 putts because of the sharp undulation
of the green.
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| A sharp dogleg to the right. The left bunker is 230 yards
off the tee and a carry of 240 yards is needed to clear the right bunker.
All along the right side of the fairway is water, so a left to right hitter
will find it very difficult to play on this hole. The deep green is protected
by bunkers. |
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An almost 90-dgree dogleg to the right with a lake on the right. The landing
zone off the tee looks deceptively wide but your sliced ball will easily
end up in the water. An accurate second shot is needed, too, because of
the tight fairway with the lake on the right. Various bunkers guarding the
front of the green are intimidating. |
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A hole with an island green. A white bunker, protecting the front side of
the green, looks shining. The bunker, the lake in front with the green at
the back create an excellent contrast. The green is wide and slopes sharply
from right to left. |
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| A straight hole with the green swinging to the right. All
right side of the hole from the tee to the green borders water. The landing
area of the second shot is squeezed by a lake on the right and a blind lake
on the left, so you need to hit a precise shot. This is a hole where you
are happy with par.
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It takes about 50 minutes from Central Shanghai by car and a club bus
is available from the city. Visitors can play at this Lakes Course but
need to be accompanied by a member to play at the Forest Course. A Jacuzzi
bath, a sauna and massage service are available after play. A 5 star hotel
next to the clubhouse is opening soon. To play from the longest tees,
you need to have an official handicap of 11 or below.
Peter Thompson designed another course in Asia, Ｄalian
Golden Jin Shi (大连金石) GC in China. People often
have Peter Thompson confused with Peter Thomson. Peter Thompson is American
while Peter Thomson, 5 times British Open Champion, is Australian.
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4th Par 4 457 yards (2)