Mission Hills Hainan
Mission Hills is arguably the most recognisable golfing 'brand' in China; certainly no organisation has done more to put the country on the global golfing map. The brainchild of the late Dr David Chu, a Hongkonger who was over 40 before he lifted a club, the original Mission Hills complex in Guangdong province, which occupies vast tracts of land between the cities of Shenzhen and Dongguan, is the world's largest golf-specific complex, with 12 courses and a plethora of pre- and post-round amenities.
And Mission Hills' newer facility in Hainan - which includes 10 Brian Curley-designed courses, a luxurious hotel and a vast volcanic spring spa, located just 15 minutes from Haikou airport, the island's main international gateway - is every bit as remarkable.
While every course here is worth playing - including the two par-3 layouts that are perfect for young kids and beginners - the two standout layouts are the Blackstone and Lava Fields courses. The former hosted the World Cup in 2011 and is a lengthy and heavily bunkered test, one that most recreational golfers will enjoy playing from the forward tees.
Lava Fields, meanwhile, is a more friendly and subtle course, one that benefits from generous fairway widths, throwback-style bunkering and appealing changes in elevation.
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