18th hole, Mission Hills China, Haikou, China - Blackstone Course
This 539-yard par-5 that plays towards the massive clubhouse and hotel is the last of three great finishing holes on a monster layout that hosted the Tiger Woods vs Rory McIlroy exhibition match in October last year and the World Cup in 2011. Playing over and beside lava rock, it requires a perfectly placed tee shot and one (if you’re a long hitter) or two approach shots to hit the green that is precariously placed beside the water. Many a winning score has been ruined on this hole.
15th hole Mission Hills China, Dongguan - Olazabal Course
Jose Maria Olazabal was renowned as a great bunker player. He left no doubt about this when designing this sweeping par-5 hole. Playing 580 yards from the back tees to a wide fairway from the tee, the hole gets trickier with the second and third shots as it swings hard left, with water and myriad bunkers protecting even slightly stray shots. A real jaw-dropper.
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