Let me tell you about this golf course I played at the other day, Jian Lake Blue Bay. Man, what an experience!
So, I’d heard a lot about this place. It’s down in the south of Hainan Island, which is already a pretty sweet spot for a vacation. And this course, it’s right by Lingshui Bay, so you’ve got these killer views while you’re hacking away.
I booked a tee time a few weeks in advance, easy enough. Then I grabbed a flight down to Hainan – no problem. Getting to the course was a breeze, too. They’ve got everything set up real nice for visitors. I arrived at the entrance, they helped to park my car, and then a golf cart took me to the club center, which is where the journey began.
First thing I did was hit the driving range. Gotta loosen up those muscles, you know? They’ve got a top-notch range, I’ll give ’em that. Plenty of space, good quality balls. Felt good to smack a few and get in the zone.
Then, it was onto the course itself. Now, I’d read it was designed by some guy named Mark Hollinger, and let me tell you, he did a number on this place. It’s a challenge, that’s for sure.
- Hole 1: Started off relatively easy, a par 4, nothing too crazy. Got my feet wet, so to speak.
- Holes 2-5: These were a bit more tricky. Some long par 5s, some water hazards to watch out for. I may or may not have lost a ball or two…
- Holes 6-9: Now we’re getting somewhere. The views started to really open up, and the holes got more interesting. Lots of elevation changes, which I love.
- Holes 10-14: This is where things got real. Some serious doglegs, some blind shots. You really gotta think your way through these.
- Holes 15-18: The finishing stretch, and boy, was it memorable. Tough, but fair. And the scenery? Forget about it. Just stunning.
The whole course is in great shape. Greens were fast, fairways were well-maintained. They’ve got these huge sandy waste areas that you gotta watch out for. Adds to the challenge, I guess. And they are said to be the 4th best course in China, and I think it really deserves it.
After the round, I grabbed a bite at the clubhouse. Decent food, cold drinks, good service. Can’t complain. And, I checked in the hotel to settle down. This is a golf resort, so you can imagine, everything was luxurious.
All in all, Jian Lake Blue Bay, it’s a must-play if you’re a golfer and you find yourself in Hainan. It’s tough, it’s beautiful, and it’s an experience you won’t forget. I’m already thinking about when I can go back!
