Special Places - Sheshan International Golf Club

The ultra-exclusive Sheshan Golf Club is located about 45 minutes west of the downtown area of China's financial powerhouse and most populous city, Shanghai. Close to the foot of Sheshan Mountain, the layout was designed in 2004 by Singapore-based Nelson and Haworth Design who are responsible for almost one of every ten courses in China, the world's fastest growing golfing nation. The 6600m par 72 parkland course incorporates 1000-year-old ginkgo trees and a spectacular quarry into a design that has lush seashore paspalum fairways and bentgrass greens. Iconic golf architect Donald Ross' classic design at Oak Hill Country Club in upstate New York was the inspiration for this layout that is the centrepiece of an exclusive residential community.

On the front nine the most visually dramatic hole is the 520m par 5 8th that is reminiscent of the 13th at Augusta National. From an elevated tee only the longest hitters will go for the green in two, especially as the creek that meanders along the left side of the fairway cuts across to the right creating a moat effect when it reaches the front of a green that is further protected by bunkers at the back. Sheshan's two signature holes are the driveable dogleg 288m par 4 16th and the picturesque short par 3 17th that both skirt a water-filled disused quarry. The 538m par 5 18th that finishes in the shadow of the palatial Tuscan-style clubhouse delivers classic elements of risk and reward. With lakes running along the entire right side of the hole, two long and accurate shots can find the small green that is protected by water on three sides and a bunker on the left, but big numbers are waiting for any slip-ups.

Sheshan International has climbed into the ranks of the very best that Asian golf has to offer in less than a decade, and as it matures further Sheshan can become a special destination on a par with the great courses anywhere in the world.

Golfweather Editorial