Kai Kou (Xiamen) Golf Club

About the club

The Kai Kou, a half hour from the historic harbor city of Xiamen, is the first of Greg Norman's creations in China, and it is the region's toughest course, even though it doesn't demand the accuracy needed to negotiate his Mission Hills in Shenzhen. Norman's up-and-down design makes the most of the surroundings, and the challenge is amplified by the big bunkers for which he is known, and by the stiff approach to the elevated greens. Deceptive fronts and lurking dangers will turn back any half-hearted shot. For all that, the Kai Kou gives players a fair chance: areas for landings are quite ample, and a variety of tee positions allow golfers to adjust the length from a grueling 6701 down to a manageable 6247 yards. Norman never consciously creates a signature hole, but the standout here has to be the lovely par 3 7th with its remarkable water hazards.