After years of waiting, I finally heard that the course is ready to play at the end of April 08 as was lucky to be invited to test play the course before its official opening.

Unlike Gary Player-designed North and South courses, the new East course is the creation of Nelson & Haworth, a firm well known by golfers in this region for their work on numerous courses across the border, including Xili, Shenzhen Golf Club and the mountainous layouts at Century Seaview & Wind Valley . In fact, you can see some resemblance to the East Course at these last two courses.

Due to the mountainous terrain, the East Course is basically built on land almost completely crafted out of the surrounding hills and the designer was able to build some of the most intimidating holes I've ever seen. But once you play the course you will know that the architect is trying to deceive you into believing that the fairways are tight and dangerous. Specially the two par 3s – # 8 & # 13 - are tough as nails, but the rest are quite generous with reasonable landing area. Having said that, you still have to hit it pretty solid and straight or you will soon run out of balls.

Better players should find this par 72 course quite straight forward due to the shorter length of 6,640 yards (blue tee) and from the white tee only at 6,025 yards (scorecard) so length is not a major issue here, accuracy is much more important. Higher handicapper should practice more elsewhere as this course does not offer much room for errant shots and longer carries are needed on most holes.

Obviously, being a seaside course, wind can also be a major factor in determining your score and due to the extreme undulations, judging the right distance and club to use is also important. Great views though!

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Well, the course is very nice. The views are fantastic, the design is very challenging, so my hat goes off to the management - they have done a good job.

However, there is a problem with the steep and winding cart path which can be dangerous - one must drive with extra caution and apply the brake early or the cart and you will roll, so you have been warned! Also, due to some fairways are above the teeboxes causing few blind spots, make sure the group in front is cleared before you take the shot.

Very interesting & very well put together golf course, a must play. ACE !