Schmidt-Curley Design -- one of the world's busiest and most innovative golf course design firms -- announces Dragon Valley, its second golf course design on China's Hainan Island, is open for play.
Located in Sanya, the resort capital of China, Dragon Valley offers spectacular mountain backdrops and panoramic views of the island commonly referred to as "China's Hawaii." The par-72, 7,173-yard layout is carved out of volcanic hillsides and dotted with numerous natural lakes and streams. The back nine opened in November, while the front nine will be ready in February.
A true "core" golf course, Dragon Valley has no residential properties located within its boundaries. Its greens are grassed with Seadwarf Paspalum and tees, fairways and roughs with Salam Paspalum. Both strains are noted for rich color, resistance to wear and strong tolerance to both drought and overwatering.
"Dragon Valley has been well received by members and visitors alike," says Lee Schmidt, Principal, Schmidt-Curley Design. "Although challenging for the better player, it's also enjoyable for higher handicappers as we've incorporated generous landing areas and many flat-bottomed bunkers."
The 439-yard, par-4 18th hole is a particularly memorable test. A large boulder, discovered while clearing the property, and banyan tree guard the inside of the dogleg right. The second shot must negotiate bunkers front and back to find the undulating, clover-shaped green.
Seventeen is another fantastic hole. A 163-yard par 3, it features a small peninsula green jutting out into a lake. Club selection must be spot-on, as swirling winds through the valley will wreak havoc with shots that are not flushed.
"Hainan Island is a region of great priority for our firm," says Schmidt. "Our office in Haikou is extremely busy and we'll have many additional exciting projects to announce in 2010."
Recent runner-up in Asian Golf Monthly's 2009 rankings of Asia's "Best Architects," Schmidt-Curley master planned massive Mission Hills Golf Club and is architect of record for 10 of its 12 courses including the acclaimed Olazabal Course, annual host of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup. From 2002 to 2004, the firm oversaw perhaps the most ambitious golf course construction project in history when five Mission Hills golf courses were completed in a 14-month span.