Shanqin Bay Winter 2014 Newsletter

XINWEN

WINTER 2014

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

STRIVING FOR PERFECTION

O

VER THE PAST TWO YEARS the golf course has con-

tinued to mature and, in the eyes of members and re-

turning guests, just keeps getting better. No design changes have been implemented, but playability and unparalleled maintenance has been the focus.

The natural setting of Shanqin Bay provides a challenge as how to maintain the native areas in an environmentally friendly and natural manner. Several methods were implemented to

WANG JUN CHAIRMAN

I COULD NOT BE more proud of Shanqin Bay. Initially my vision was for a worldclass golf course and to introduce new standards for club operations in China.

The success and recognition that we have enjoyed to date has certainly met and exceeded my expectations. The members that have joined the Club have embraced my philosophy and I look forward to this being the way forward not only at Shanqin Bay but in other fine private clubs throughout Asia.

My commitment to Shanqin Bay has never been stronger and I am working with Joey and his team to provide a more memorable golf and club experience. My sincere hope is that our Top 100 ranking will improve in 2015, as the golf course has matured nicely over the last two years. I think one of the key differences is that the course plays more firm and fast, a goal of Bill Coore and the result of two years of the best maintenance practices.

The international guests who we have received have also been most complimentary which is encouraging.

One of my goals is to develop relationships with the great clubs of the world and I am pleased to say that this concept is gaining traction. The finest clubs in the world are havens for friendship and camaraderie, which is our focus at Shanqin Bay. However, they also observe policies and procedures of the Club. This is very important to me and I am delighted that the members and staff have been supportive of these objectives. The future of Shanqin Bay is exciting, I am proud of our accomplishments in our short history, and look forward to great years ahead. 

maintain the area of transition from the fairways to native that are in play; maintaining by hand has met with the greatest success. The same is true for the native areas within and around the bunkers; hand work is the key as a crew has been assigned to each hole.

Bill Coore remains in constant contact with the Golf Course Superintendent, as they work together promoting fast firm playing conditions. This has led to new mowing patterns to contain the ball from running into native areas.

The crew are also focused on maintaining other natural features of the course and managing overgrowth of shrubs and bushes. The wall has become much talked about and every effort is made to keep the wall as a prominent feature. The irrigation pond on hole No. 4 has also blended in beautifully over time and fits seamlessly with its’ surrounds.

There has been a major modification to the terrace at the rear of the Clubhouse. The terrace has become a favorite place for members and their guests to gather after their round and to enjoy the magnificent vistas of the course and the ocean.

The terrace is now covered, enabling the space to be used comfortably year-round. Along the same lines, the patio extending off the halfway house on No.12 has also been covered.

In the months ahead, there are several minor modifications being studied for the golf course. Our philosophy is to allow the course to play itself in until the spring of 2015 before implementing any changes. All in all, Shanqin Bay has been very well received and all that return see a significant change simply through maturity, fast firm playing conditions and management of the native areas. 

CITIC SHANQIN BAY GOLF CLUB NEWSLETTER WINTER 2014

Joey Garon Looks Back on Three Memorable Years I

REALLY DIDN’T KNOW what to expect when I arrived on Hainan Island as I made the drive from Haikou Airport to Shanqin Bay for the first time. I felt a sense of excitement, as I was about

to live out a lifelong dream to introduce western golf management practices into the Asian market, more specifically China. I am eternally grateful to Chairman Wang, our Founder, for affording me this opportunity.

After settling in to my new home, I set out

2015. More than twenty panelists have visited

to write a business plan and vision for the Club.

since October 2012 and I am delighted to say

Many of my initiatives were foreign to my Chi-

they have not only become friends of the Club,

nese associates; however they were met with

but also stay in touch with our wonderful staff.

great support from Chairman Wang. Each day

Our philosophy is very new in China and

we have made steady progress. It is fair to say

the membership is also taking time to adapt

today that Shanqin Bay operates under the

to a different golf club experience. Progress is

same principles as the finest Clubs around the

encouraging as we look to expand our mem-

world. Our service levels are of the highest stan-

bership in the future. Members really enjoy

dards and above all the attitude and enthusiasm

the personal service and attention to detail. In

of my staff is second to none. We have a true

the months ahead we will be developing more

bond and respect among each other and with

member events to nourish the spirit of cama-

the members.

raderie.

To date, our crowning glory was the rec-

In 2015 my team is committed to welcom-

ognition of Shanqin Bay as one of GOLF Maga-

ing our members and their guests and working

zine’s Top 100 Courses in the World 2013. We

to establish Shanqin Bay as the benchmark for

are now committed to making enhancements

golf clubs throughout Asia. I would be remiss

to the golf course, improving playability and

not to express my appreciation to Chairman

taking maintenance levels to even higher stan-

Wang and the CITIC ownership for present-

dards in preparation for the next rankings in

ing me with this life changing opportunity. 

A UNIQUE APPROACH TO A CADDIE PROGRAM

MILITARY TRAINING

team with service skills

The club closes for two

as well as a strong and

months during July and

confident personality.

Shanqin Bay has 35 caddies —

6 o’clock each morning.

12 of whom are Diamond Caddies.

We learn about focus

The girls come from all over China

and working as a team.

and share a love of Shanqin Bay. We are very proud of our Caddie Program.

August. Before re-opening in September, we host three-day military training, commencing at

GOLF CLASSES We set up a golf class for the caddies who love playing golf. They take lessons and we have started holding golf tournaments. The

PUTTING CONTEST

driving range is set up

In the monthly putting

as a six-hole par three

contests, the caddies

course which enables

practice and help each

the caddies to learn the

other, not only im-

game. This not only im-

proving their playing

proves the caddies’ golf

skills, but also moti-

skills, but gives them

vating their spirit and

the tools to provide

team-building.

professional service to

TRAINING

members and guests.

Training includes basic

OUR GOAL

skills, theoretical knowl-

We are proud to be part

edge and English. After

of the Top 100 Courses

training, there is a writ-

in the World and will

ten test and a course

keep working hard to

test. We want to build a

make the top 50! 

GOLF MAGAZINE’S TOP 100 COURSES IN THE WORLD 2013

1 Pine Valley

H.S. Colt, George Crump, 1918, U.S.

2 Cypress Point

Alister MacKenzie, 1927, U.S.

3 Augusta National

Bobby Jones, Alister MacKenzie, 1933, U.S.

4 St. Andrews (Old Course)

Nature, 1399, Scotland

5 Shinnecock Hills

William Flynn, 1930, U.S.

6 Royal County Down

Old Tom Morris, 1888, N. Ireland

7 Pebble Beach Golf Links

Douglas Grant, Jack Neville, 1919, U.S.

8 Oakmont

Henry Fownes, 1902, U.S.

9 Merion (East)

Hugh Wilson, 1911, U.S.

10 Muirfield

H.S. Colt, Old Tom Morris, 1891, Scotland

11 National Golf Links of America

C.B. Macdonald, 1911, U.S.

12 Sand Hills

Ben Crenshaw, Bill Coore, 1994, U.S.

13 Royal Melbourne (West) 14 Royal Dornoch (Championship) 15 Royal Portrush (Dunluce) 16 Pinehurst (No. 2)

55 Kingsbarns 56 Castle Stuart 57 Olympic (Lake)

Donald Ross, 1929, U.S. Old Tom Morris, A. Robertson, 1842, Scotland Seth Raynor, 1926, U.S.

58 TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium) 59 Royal Lytham & St. Annes

61 Shoreacres

Seth Raynor, 1921, U.S.

62 Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin) 63 Bandon Dunes

67 Maidstone 68 North Berwick (West) 69 Royal Liverpool 70 Camargo 71 Kawana (Fuji) 72 Barnbougle Lost Farm 73 Quaker Ridge 74 Kauri Cliffs 75 Ballyneal 76 Waterville

26 Prairie Dunes

Press Maxwell, Perry Maxwell, 1937, U.S.

77 Somerset Hills

27 San Francisco

A. W. Tillinghast, 1918, U.S. Alister MacKenzie, Des Soutar, 1925, Australia Laidlaw Purves, 1887, England George Thomas, 1921, U.S. Fred Hawtree, George Lowe Jr., 1889, England

32 Friar’s Head

Ben Crenshaw, Bill Coore, 2003, U.S.

33 Riviera

Bill Bell Sr., George Thomas, 1926, U.S.

34 Barnbougle Dunes

Mike Clayton, Tom Doak, 2004, Australia

35 Oakland Hills (South)

Robert Trent Jones, Donald Ross, 1917, U.S.

36 Bethpage (Black)

A.W. Tillinghast, 1936, U.S.

37 Hirono

George Lowe Jr., 1897, England Donald Ross, 1923, U.S.

Seth Raynor, C.B. Macdonald, 1895, U.S.

31 Royal Birkdale

Pete Dye, 1982, U.S.

60 Oak Hill (East)

25 Chicago

30 Los Angeles (North)

Sam Whiting, 1924, U.S.

H.S. Colt, Harry Vardon, 1905, England David McLay Kidd, 1999, U.S.

66 The Golf Club

A. W. Tillinghast, 1923, U.S.

29 Royal St. George’s

Gil Hanse, Mark Parsinen, 2009, Scotland

H.S. Colt, 1929, Northern Ireland

Tom Doak, 2001, U.S.

28 Kingston Heath

Kyle Phillips, 1999, Scotland

Arthur Hills, 2001, Portugal

Perry Maxwell, Alister MacKenzie, 1932, U.S.

24 Fishers Island Club

W.C. Pickeman, George Ross, 1894, Ireland

65 Oitavos Dunes

P. Mackenzie Ross, Willie Fernie, 1909, Scotland

23 Carnoustie (Championship)

54 Portmarnock (Old)

Old Tom Morris, 1886, Scotland

18 Turnberry (Ailsa)

22 Seminole

Tom Simpson, 1927, France

Perry Maxwell, 1936, U.S.

Tom Simpson, P. Murphy, 1893, Ireland

21 Winged Foot (West)

53 Morfontaine

64 Southern Hills

17 Ballybunion (Old)

20 Pacific Dunes

Davis Love III, 2010, Mexico

Alister MacKenzie, 1926, Australia

Donald Ross, 1907, U.S.

19 Crystal Downs

52 Diamante

C.H. Alison, 1932, Japan

38 Cape Kidnappers

Tom Doak, 2004, New Zealand

39 Sunningdale (Old)

H.S. Colt, Willie Park Jr., 1901, England

78 Shanqin Bay

79 Cruden Bay 80 Walton Heath (Old) 81 Harbour Town Golf Links 82 Cabot Links 83 Inverness 84 Ganton 85 Medinah (No. 3) 86 European Club

Pete Dye, 1967, U.S. Willie Park, Jr., John Park, 1891, U.S. David Strath, 1878, Scotland George Morris, 1869, England Seth Raynor, 1921, U.S. Kinya Fujita, C.H. Alison, 1936, Japan Ben Crenshaw, Bill Coore, 2010, Australia A.W. Tillinghast, 1926, U.S. David Harman, 2000, New Zealand Tom Doak, 2006, U.S. Eddie Hackett, 1973, Ireland A.W. Tillinghast, 1918, U.S.

Ben Crenshaw, Bill Coore, 2012, China Tom Simpson, Herbert Fowler, 1926, Scotland Herbert Fowler, 1904, England Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, 1969, U.S. Rod Whitman, 2012, Canada Donald Ross, 1919, U.S. Harry Vardon, 1905, England Tom Bendelow, 1928, U.S. Pat Ruddy, 1992, Ireland

87 St. George’s

Stanley Thompson, 1929, Canada

88 Old Macdonald

Jim Urbina, Tom Doak, 2010, U.S.

Alister MacKenzie, Old Tom Morris, 1893, Ireland

89 Loch Lomond

Jay Morrish, Tom Weiskopf, 1994, Scotland

41 New South Wales

Eric Apperly, Alister MacKenzie, 1928, Australia

90 Old Sandwich

Ben Crenshaw, Bill Coore, 2004, U.S.

42 The Country Club

Rees Jones, Willie Campbell, 1895, U.S.

91 Machrihanish

Old Tom Morris, Charles Hunter, 1876, Scotland

40 Lahinch (Old)

43 Kiawah Island (Ocean)

Pete Dye, 1991, U.S.

44 Royal Troon (Old)

Willie Fernie, 1887, Scotland

45 Nine Bridges

David Dale, Ron Fream, 2001, South Korea

46 Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog) 47 Garden City Golf Club 48 Muirfield Village

Devereux Emmet, 1899, U.S. Desmond Muirhead, Jack Nicklaus, 1974, U.S.

49 Whistling Straits (Straits) 50 Trump International Golf Links 51 Baltusrol (Lower)

Pete Dye, 1971, Dominican Republic

Pete Dye, 1998, U.S. Martin Hawtree, 2012, Scotland A.W. Tillinghast, 1922, U.S.

92 Swinley Forest 93 Tokyo 94 Royal Melbourne (East) 95 Royal Porthcawl 96 Rye 97 Cabo del Sol (Ocean) 98 Valderrama 99 Royal Adelaide 100 Durban Country Club

H.S. Colt, 1910, England Komei Ohtani, 1940, Japan Alex Russell, 1932, Australia H.S. Colt, 1913, Wales Tom Simpson/Guy Campbell, H.S. Colt, 1895, England Jack Nicklaus, 1994, Mexico Robert Trent Jones, 1975, Spain Alister MacKenzie, 1926, Australia George Waterman, Laurie Waters, 1922, South Africa

THROUGH THE LENS OF FAMED GOLF COURSE PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN MORGAN WITH COMMENTS FROM THE TOP 100 PANEL

“The opening of Shanqin Bay has delivered WORLD CLASS golf to China”

—GORDON DALGLIESH

“Shanqin Bay is BREATHTAKING ” — SAMM KLAPARDA

“The course is a MAGNIFICENT ACHIEVEMENT ”

—GARY POST

“The conditioning and routing of Shanqin Bay is AS GOOD AS ANY I HAVE SEEN IN THE WORLD ”

— BRIAN MORGAN

“The finishing holes compare with THE BEST IN THE WORLD ” — NORM KLAPARDA

“The overall experience at Shanqin Bay from the course, to the service to the staff, RIVALS THE FINEST IN GOLF ”

— Q UE NT IN LUT Z

“Shanqin Bay presents a LINKS EXPERIENCE where every club in the bag is required” — MARVIN FRENCH

“Shanqin Bay has set a new BENCHMARK for golf in China” — DAVID BONSALL

CITIC SHANQIN BAY GOLF CLUB NEWSLETTER WINTER 2014

THE SHANQIN BAY EXPERIENCE

by Joe Passov, Top 100 Chairman F ALL THE COURSES built during the past 15 years of China’s golf

O

courses. In the Scottish tradition, there is even a blind shot or two, such as

expansion, one stands alone: Shanqin Bay. It became the first course

the approach to the remarkable par-4 5th hole. The hole calls for an uphill

in the country to break through into the list of GOLF Magazine’s Top 100

drive over a lake, to a fairway that climbs all the way to the green. It crests,

Courses in the World. Thanks to its setting overlooking the South China

like a wave, right in front of the green, so that the green is blind for all ap-

Sea, Shanqin Bay is undeniably spectacular. It’s also very unusual for

proach shots until you’re on top of that crest. Once atop the crest and on

China. Architect Bill Coore wasn’t sure if the Chinese would understand

the green, you’re rewarded with a beautiful view of the sea. Not everyone

and accept his design philosophy, but the results speak for themselves.

will like, or even understand the 5th hole, but it is unforgettable.

Unlike many modern courses, especially those in China, Shanqin Bay

Typically, the Chinese prefer the

is only of average length, at 6,901 yards, par 71, but long on variety. You

biggest and most ornate courses and

will encounter all kinds of interesting holes, and shots. With the ever-pres-

facilities possible. In the past, they have liked their courses to resemble Augusta National, home of the U.S. Masters, with its perfectly edged bunkers and ponds, well over 7,000 yards from the back tees, and a balanced par of

ent wind and firm ground, you

What truly distinguishes Shanqin Bay is that it is unique for China.

72, along with trees, flowers and

will have to manufacture many kinds of short shots and approach shots, where you vary your ball flight trajectory and at times even aim away from the hole, and let the slope direct the ball toward the target.

shrubs that frame tees, fairways and greens. Predictability and visibility

The most memorable holes at Shanqin Bay, the par-3 3rd and the

were hallmarks of top-ranked Chinese courses, rather than quirky and

15th, 16th and 17th in a trio of dramatic par-4s, dish out jaw-dropping

rumpled. Shanqin Bay has changed that.

views of the sea and the beach. Anyone would be moved to enjoy the

What truly distinguishes Shanqin Bay is that it is unique for China.

panoramic beauty. However, what stands out most are the strategic op-

Instead of lush, heavily watered fairways, the course features firm, tilted

tions and firm playing conditions that may be new to China, but show up

fairways that allow for considerable run of the ball, as it does on the links

frequently among layouts ranked in the Top 100 Courses in the World.

of Scotland and Ireland. Sprawling, tattered-edge bunkers dominate the

Credit Shanqin Bay for taking that chance, and for initiating the vision.

landscape, rather than the clean-cut style in vogue at most other Chinese

Credit architect Bill Coore for brilliantly executing that vision. 

INTRODUCING “JAMESTOWN” T

HE F I R ST T IM E I SAW the little farmer’s cottage that is now adjacent to the fifth tee at

than our Chinese. He had a pig, a few geese or

Shanqin Bay, was while walking around with Bill Coore to inspect the preliminary golf course

ducks, some betel nut and banana palm trees.

layout.

To honor the history of the property, Bill

We walked up to the little building, which at first glance seemed uninhabited, and out came an

recommended keeping the cottage. We agreed

elderly gentleman to greet us. Instead of being startled or upset, which would have been under-

to incorporate the cottage into a small cluster

standable, the man smiled from ear to ear and waved at us. Of course his English was no better

of buildings that would include a pump house, halfway house and a couple of restrooms. We designed everything with the idea that local materials and building methods should be used.

We searched the back streets of Longgun and Qionghai for windows, doors, wood and stone materials. Most of the stone that was used for the retaining walls and the stone wall in the halfway house came from the old military barracks that were dismantled near the clubhouse. The big tree that shades the patio came from the Citic nursery in Long Guggun.

Looking back, I realize how special the building of Shanqin Bay was. The buildings by No. 5 tees may be small in size but they represent the spirit of adaptation that was necessary for Shanqin Bay to be what it’s becoming. I will always treasure having played a small part in its making. It is indeed a pleasure that this cluster of buildings have taken my name and are known as “Jamestown.”  — James Duncan, Senior Designer, Coore & Crenshaw

CITIC SHANQIN BAY GOLF CLUB NEWSLETTER WINTER 2014

MEET THE STAFF “VA L E R I E NA” F R O NT D E SK S U PERVIS OR I AM VERY PROUD to be serving as Front

WINTER 2014

Desk Supervisor at Shanqin Bay. Originally from the Anhui Province in the middle of China, I went to a college in Sanya majoring of Golf Management. After college, I continued my two years. While there, it was a thrill and an honor to visit world-class golf courses such at St. Andrews, Kingsbarns and Castle Stuart.

After graduation, the chance arose to work at Shanqin Bay. When I first arrived in July 2012, I was in awe of its beauty. I learned how Chairman Wang found the property by helicopter and made his dream a reality. That, and knowing that Bill Coore designed this magnificent course, contributed to my decision to join the team at Shanqin Bay. Every day I continue to grow and learn about golf and operations. We treat every member and guest with a smile and great care. It is a rewarding experience working alongside my lovely colleagues — we are a family.

I love Shanqin Bay! 

“PA N DA” PR O S H O P S U PERVIS OR I HAVE BEEN part of the Shanqin Bay family for nearly four years, first as a Caddie Foreman and now as Pro-Shop Supervisor. I am from Hubei, China and studied Golf Management in college. I feel very lucky to be applying and enhancing my knowledge here at Shanqin Bay, which I consider to be a beautiful golf course and a special club.

I learned many inspiring stories about Chairman Wang, Bill Coore and the history of Shanqin Bay — all of which make this place extraordinary (as well as my hole-in-one on No. 3!). It is such a joy to be in a position to meet and communicate with diverse people from around the globe; they make my work endlessly fascinating.

We have built a strong, close team with a focused commitment that I believe will soon put Shanqin Bay in the top 50 of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World! 

“E MI LY ” AS S I STA N T TO TH E GEN ERAL MANAGE R IT HAS BEEN an honor to witness the emergence of Shanqin Bay over the past 5 years, from construction to the great Course and Club that it is today. I will always remember May 15, 2009, the day I arrived at Shanqin Bay; a Commencement Ceremony was held in the original pineapple fields overlooking the sea. I knew then I was part of something special.

I grew up in the Shanxi Province in Northern China and studied English at Wuhan University. I began my journey at Shanqin Bay as a translator for our golf course architect, Bill Coore, and the owner of CITIC. When the Club opened, I joined the Club Management team and am now serving as Assistant to the General Manager.

I was particularly impressed and moved by Bill Coore’s attention and commitment to Shanqin Bay. It has become a spectacular course due to him and the hard work of our dedicated team. Everyone in this big family works with passion and enthusiasm to continue making the Club better and better.

Shanqin Bay is my second home, where I continue to learn, grow and experience wonderful people every day.

If you visit Shanqin Bay, I am sure you will love this place as much as I do! 

EN.SHANQINBAY.COM

JOEY@SHANQINBAY.COM

XINWEN

education at Elmwood College in Scotland for