By Mareli Joubert – Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy
In the previous edition, the beautiful East course at Kau Sai Chau was highlighted. The South Course is another Gary Player design and a well-rounded course for players of all skill levels.
Measuring at 5, 906 yards (5, 400m) of the back tees it plays the shortest of the three courses, with the option available to either walk or use a golf cart. At 4, 328m of the forward tees it is a great option for players, young or old, that are new to the game to get valuable on course experience.
HOLE 1:
Par 4 – A 315m Par 4 opening hole. The correct club choice and target line is key to start your round of on the right foot. A well lofted second shot is ideal here, with an angle from the left side of the fairway being favourable. The green guarded is by a bunker and bushes at the back to catch any errant approach shots.
HOLE 2:
Par 3 – A relatively straightforward downhill par 3 playing at 136m it is a good test for your short irons. Three bunkers protect the green with a wetland area through the back. Playing from an elevated tee it is important to take the slight elevation and wind into consideration.
HOLE 3:
Par 4/5 – The longest par 4 on the front nine at 392m. Aim right of the left fairway bunker to leave a good chance with the approach to a wide but shallow green guarded by bunkers on the left and right. The pin position on this green will be a determining factor for how aggressive your play will be if you’re coming into the green with a long iron.
HOLE 4:
Par 4 – Playing at only 237m it is definitely a drivable par 4 for a lot of players. The landing spot narrows as your tee shot get closer to the green. Two bunkers on each side of the green and trouble over the back shouldn’t be an issue if you are going into the green with a short club!!!
HOLE 5:
Par 3 – An interesting 131m downhill Par 3 with two deep bunkers in front of the green and not much room over the back of the green. The wind and club selection is critical on this hole which looks simple but can be deadly.
HOLE 6:
Par 4 – With natural vegetation lining both side of this 275m Par 4, players mostly sacrifice distance for accuracy off the tee. Ideal play is to leave yourself a short iron to a long, narrow and elevated green.
HOLE 7:
Par 4 – This 280m length Par 4 has out of bounds on the left and requires an accurate tee shot to set up a relatively short second shot. The green is well protected by a left front bunker and one bunker over the back.
HOLE 8:
Par 4 – Club selection is key and a mid to long iron to the middle of the fairway is the best option. This Par 4 plays 288m and a wetland covers the entire right side of this hole including to the left and back of the green. Positioning of the tee and an accurate approach shot are required on this hole.
HOLE 9:
Par 4 – A left to right dogleg Par 4 playing 331m. Line of play of the tee will determine what club is best to use for your tee shot. With the approach shot playing to a slightly elevated green best to take an more club for the approach.
HOLE 10:
Par 4 – An 289m uphill Par 4 that requires accuracy with out of bounds on both sides of the fairway. A good tee shot will leave you an uphill approach to a green protected by a deep bunker on the right side.
HOLE 11:
Par 3 – A 145m Par 3 with a bunker on the left and steep slope on the right which will kick balls out of play. Club selection and accuracy is key to hit this two-tier green off the tee.
HOLE 12:
Par 4 – A great 381m downhill left to right dogleg Par 4. The left bunker fairway bunker is a good line for most players.
Long hitters must be mindful of their line as errand shots will run out of fairway. Good club selection for the downhill approach is key.
HOLE 13:
Par 4 – For this 344m right to left uphill par 4 aim for the middle of the fairway with long hitters aiming a bit more left.
A good drive will leave a short pitch to an elevated green protected by a bunker on your right and steep slopes to the left and back.
HOLE 14:
Par 4 – The longest Par 4 on the South Course playing 424m this hole requires two good shots to hit the green. A well-positioned tee shot and approach shot it needed to stay clear of the hazard which runs from 130m all the way to the back of the green.
HOLE 15:
Par 5 – This long right to left Par 5 plays at 527m and has the widest fairway on the South Course. The round peak in the distance is the line for your tee shot. The second shot is critical and the landing area narrows from 180m. The green is long and narrow and guarded by bunkers on both sides.
HOLE 16:
Par 3 – The toughest Par 3 on the South Course playing at 181m this hole has a lake in front of the green and bunker through the back of the green. Club selection is essential. The bailout area for this hole is long and to the right.
HOLE 17:
Par 4 – Aiming to the right of the left-hand bunker is the line off the tee for this 342m Par 4. Good club selection is necessary for this approach shot with a back pin requiring extra club.
HOLE 18:
Par 4 – A strong Par 4 finishing hole playing 364m. The tee shot favours a fade with the approach playing to an elevated green. The green side bunker to the left of the green is definitely in play and an extra club is required in most conditions to set up a good finish.
https://www.kscgolf.org.hk/golf/golf-courses/south-course/
