Few golf courses can lay claim to putting their country on the world golfing map but the Mission Hills Golf Club is one layout with that unique distinction.
In 1995 when the Shenzhen-based club hosted the World Cup, the tournament, won by PGA stars Davis Love III and Fred Couples, played a major factor in announcing to the world that the Royal and Ancient game had come to the mainland.
Since then, golf has experienced an unprecedented boom in the country as there are now more than 75 courses, including four at Mission Hills, and another 20 currently under construction or in the planning. With the growth of the game, Mission Hills has continued to cement its reputation as the country's premiere golf venue as its World Cup course, site of this year's Omega Championship, has since hosted two Volvo China tour events as well as a leg of last year's Johnnie Walker Super Tour won by Vijay Singh.
What the Asian PGA touring professionals will find on the 6,970-yard Jack Nicklaus-designed layout is a course which is both fair and challenging under normal conditions but one which is totally different if the wind is blowing.
Playing from the black championship tees, the 400-yard par four first hole provides a forgiving start as a solid bounce off the crest of the hill halfway down the fairway leaves for a favourable approach shot and a possible birdie.
The second is a possible eagle attempt but only for big hitters. With a lake crossing the fairway less than 130 yards from the green on the 547-yard par five hole, most players will likely lay-up on their second shot for a solid approach to the large putting surface guarded by deep sand traps.
The other par five of the opening nine, the 514-yard seventh, provides a better opportunity for eagle but only for accurate drivers.