While the World Cup, Norman, Faldo and Olazabal courses at Mission Hills are stronger tests of golf, the recently remodelled (March 2006) Ozaki (formerly Canyon) is certainly one the nicer courses at this mammoth complex.

Gentle elevation change, excellent use of sand and the subtle influence of water all combine to provide a delightful little track - little, because from the blue tees it just manages to creep over 6,100 yards. Schmidt and Curley design, who worked in harness with Jumbo Ozaki to create the original course, have toughened up the track by narrowing some of the landing areas as well as reconfiguring a few of the tees. They've done a good job too and, while the work might have been done to allow for access to a whole new bunch of houses (they're not as extravagant as the mansions on the World Cup), the Ozaki is now a very fine place to enjoy a round.

Photo: New housing on the Ozaki.

Difficulty Index (Blue Tee)