Year: 2017

Hole 18: The Grand Finale – A Test of Character

As you reach the final tee, emotions often run high. For some, it’s the regret of a round ending just as their swing feels perfect; for others, it’s a sigh of relief after a challenging day. This long Par 4 offers a complete experience, demanding focus until the very last putt.

The Drive: Water guards the front and left of the tee box, while a series of long bunkers flank the right side beyond the red tees. Strategy is key here: do you flirt with the water or challenge the sand? The ideal line is toward the 150-yard marker on the left, where the fairway opens up generously.

The Approach: From the fairway, the green comes into full view. A large bunker wraps around the left side, while the front right features a grass hollow followed by steep mounds. The elongated green sits as a natural extension of the fairway, featuring a prominent ridge on the upper tier.

The Ultimate Hazard: Be wary of the deep depression on the back left and the slope on the right that funnels toward a massive, deep bunker. This unique hazard features timber-log steps for access—a dramatic and challenging signature to conclude your round at Dragon Hills.

Hole Description: Deceptively Simple – A Long Par 3

At first glance from the tee, this relatively long Par 3 may seem straightforward, but don’t let its appearance lower your guard. To the right, a scenic stretch of uniquely shaped natural rock formations and forest leads your way toward the green.

The Green & Hazards: The green is elongated and follows the fairway line, curving slightly to the right at the back. It features two distinct tiers, with a narrower front section that widens at the rear.

Strategy: Pay close attention to the pin position. A front or back pin makes for a challenging target, while a center placement is much more forgiving. The right side is protected by two prominent, high mounds, while the left is guarded by a pair of bunkers that make for a difficult recovery.

Pro Tip: This hole is the definition of “more than meets the eye.” Stay patient, study the lines on the tiered green carefully, and you’ll find your way to a solid Par.

Hole Description: Strategy over Power

From this tee box, the green remains hidden from view, making your opening line critical. To the left of the fairway, near the 150-yard marker, you’ll find scattered large trees and rolling mounds. To the right, a long fairway bunker stretches from the start of the landing area all the way to the 150-yard mark.

The Strategy: Target your drive to the left of the 150-yard marker. From this position, the fairway slopes downward, granting you extra distance and—most importantly—a clear, unobstructed view of the green.

The Approach: Be mindful of the bunker on the right at the 100-yard point. The approach is challenging, with a narrow entrance guarded by a bunker on the left and two deep grass hollows on the right.

The Green: This wide, two-tiered green demands your full attention. Pin placement is everything here; if the flag is on the lower tier and you land on the upper level, you’ll face a very delicate putt. Take a deep breath, stay patient, and don’t rush your stroke.

Hole Description: The Giant of Dragon Hills

This is arguably one of the most challenging holes on the course. To secure a Par here, your execution must be flawless. While this Par 5 is exceptionally long with a demanding green, don’t let it intimidate you. From the elevated tee, you have a panoramic view all the way to the green across a wide, straight fairway.

The Drive: Feel free to go for a full-power swing; distance is your friend here, provided you stay on the fairway. Landing in the rough almost certainly eliminates any chance of a “Green in Regulation” (3-on). As you descend from the tee, take a moment to admire the majestic Dragon Mountains that embrace the entire course.

The Approach: The real test begins at the green, which is guarded by a water hazard and an intimidating stone wall. Strategic planning for your second shot is vital. You must lay up before the water; aim to land between the 150-yard and 100-yard markers, where the ground is flat and offers the perfect distance for your third shot. Staying on the fairway is non-negotiable. If you find yourself in trouble, play it safe and aim for a respectable Bogey.

The Green: From behind, the green resembles a mushroom shape—wide at the front before narrowing and sloping sharply toward the left. A large bunker guards the left side, while a pot bunker sits at the back right. Be warned: if the pin is at the far back and you land on the front tier, a careless putt could literally end up in the bunker!

Hole Description: A Scenic and Serene Par 3

This hole is all about a smooth, easy swing and enjoying the view. From the tee, the green is clearly visible, framed by natural beauty on both sides. To your right, a lush grove of Leadtrees and a shimmering pond edge into view, adding a touch of excitement to your shot. On the left, the elegant Spider Lilies create a picturesque backdrop.

Strategy & Hazards: > A majestic large tree stands to the left of the approach. While it doesn’t directly block the green, landing near it will certainly complicate your par. The true “X-factor” here is the wind, which demands your full attention. The green itself is expansive, guarded by two grass hollows on the right.

The Approach: > Before you tee off, check the pin position and gauge the wind to select your “weapon of choice”—the right iron is key. Whether you’re chasing a Hole-in-One, a Birdie, or a solid Par, this hole is designed to reward a calm mind.

Hole Description: Smooth Drive and Scenic Vistas

After a quick refreshment at the kiosk, it’s time to tee off. From the white tees, you’ll find a mountain backdrop and high grass to your left, with dense forest lining the right. The best line here is straight down the middle.

The Strategy: From the tee box, the fairway bunkers on both sides are visible, but don’t let them rattle you. Aim your drive just to the left of the right-hand bunker and feel free to “let it rip”—the fairway is generously wide and features a favorable downslope.

The Approach: From your landing area, you’ll have a clear view of the green. However, be cautious of the cluster of small “pot bunkers” guarding the right side all the way to the green. If you aren’t confident in reaching the green in two, play it safe by aiming toward the left of the green and then approaching from that angle. No matter where the pin is placed, a Birdie or a Par is well within your grasp!

Hole Description: The Island Green – A Test of Nerve

The challenge of this Island Green lies entirely within the golfer’s mind. Do not let the surrounding water intimidate you; the green is generous with plenty of landing area. Take a deep breath and stay composed.

The Strategy: Regardless of the pin position—whether front, center, or back—your best play is to aim for the left side of the green. The green is narrower at the front and widens significantly toward the back.

Hazards & Terrain: > To the left, a small bunker guards the rear. On the right, a long bunker sits perilously close to the water’s edge. Beyond that bunker, the terrain slopes sharply toward the lake, making any shots to the right high-risk.

The X-Factor: The “invisible” obstacle here is the mountain wind. It often blows as a direct headwind or a tricky left-to-right crosswind. It comes in gusts, so time your shot carefully. Stay confident, aim left, and a Birdie or a solid Par is yours to claim on this breathtaking Par 3.

This hole is a perfect blend of beauty, challenge, and temptation. It’s a place where any score is possible—from a brilliant Eagle to a humbling double-digit figure.

The Layout: From the white tee, you are flanked by forest and mounds on the left, while the right features a rugged “rocky island.” Don’t let the stones intimidate you; clearing them is well within reach.

The Strategy: After your drive, you’ll understand the “temptation” mentioned above. A water hazard crosses the path ahead, leading into a massive lake on the left. This area is the namesake of “Dragon Hills,” as the layout here forms the “Head of the Dragon.” > The Approach: A long bunker hugs the lake all the way to the green. To conquer the Dragon, you must stay disciplined. Play your second shot toward the right side of the fairway to set up an easy third-on.

The Green: The green is long and curves left, guarded by water and sand. Watch out for the narrow bunker on the right and two small pot bunkers at the back. Once you step onto the surface, you’ll immediately see whether you’re facing a daunting uphill or a tricky downhill putt.