The 2016 Hainan Open will be played at the Sanya Luhuitou Golf Club in the Southern Chinese province of Hainan. On first inspection this golf course is one that will favour the bigger hitters due to its 7,253-yard length.
Designed by renowned US course specialist Nelson Haworth, this golf course rolls along the hill slopes on the inland side. This gently undulating terrain is framed by the sloping hillside terrain with a southerly view of the South China Sea.
There are holes on this golf course that feature meandering streams, breath-taking sea views, cavernous bunkers and many scenic lakes. Players will have to remember that they are not on holiday while playing their way round this picturesque golf course.
There are plenty of signature holes to look out for when playing this course. The 487 yard ninth is the longest par four on the course where only a powerfully struck wood will see your second shot reach the green. Sitting just before the seashore, this green is well protected by clever bunker positioning. Players must take great care with the overhead wind from the open sea on this hole.
Like all good championship courses, the Sanya Luhuitou possesses a fitting finishing hole. The 570 yard par five 18th is uphill all the way and littered by no less than 11 bunkers. This hole really rewards the longer hitters as laying up for a short pitch is made harder by the narrow fairways and even narrower green. Those who can get on the dancefloor in two may well take this chance come Sunday.
Those who tame this course will have to drive the ball far and straight. However, putting is not easy on the greens where wind comes into play. The stiff ocean breeze has been allowed to roam wild on the greens that back onto the sea. Players will have to be mentally focused as much as physically prepared for a course like this. Its splendour and beauty should not detract from the challenges that lie hidden within.
