The Els is a fairly mountainous layout; significant elevation change is predominent on the front nine, while the flatter back-nine features more in the way of water.

Although it does get a little narrow in places - the fairways are bordered by fairly dense vegetation....see the signature par-5 fourth hole - the Els is generally high handicapper friendly and manages to hold interest throughout. Like the other 'old' courses at Mission Hills (it's considered old even though it's only be open for 10 years), the Els is really very short from the blue tee - barely 6,100 yards. Lower handicappers might want to consider playing off the gold tees for more of a challenge.

Undoubtedly the trickiest aspect of the Els Course are the strongly contoured greens. On our visits over the years the putting surfaces have never been in exceptional condition, but if the powers that be ever decide to cut the grass short then they could prove very troublesome indeed. Normally, like most Bermuda grass greens you find in southern China (read: grain), they're quick downhill/downgrain and very slop uphill/into the grain.


*Everytime we visit it always seems to rain. This explains the rather uninspiring photography for which we apologize.