The BWD Tournament Hole of the Week: November 5 – 8, 2015. The 16th at Sheshan International GC, Home of HSBC-WGC Champions.

Tournament: WGC – HSBC Champions – Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China
Hole: 16th – Par 4, 288 Yards
Architect(s): Nelson & Haworth – 2004

Architectural Summary:
A drivable par 4, the 16th hole at Sheshan International GC measures 288 yards. Despite its length, the dogleg right is a scenic risk/reward hole that features a water-filled former rock quarry down the right side of the hole, as well as a large right fairway bunker separating the fairway and quarry. Competitors must determine their strategy from the tee as they will choose to lay up with a long iron or attempt to drive the green. The conservative play will look to aim to the left of the fairway, avoiding the pair of left fairway bunkers, leaving competitors with a wedge into the long narrow green. A premium is placed on accuracy for those looking to drive the green as they must avoid straying to the right towards the water and also avoid the lone left greenside pot bunker. Any shots right or short of the green will funnel towards the rock faced water hazard. The green slopes from left to right and contains a prominent ridge bisecting the putting surface. Competitors will find that while the 16th is a prime scoring opportunity, bogeys are not uncommon on this unique hole.
Statistical Analysis:
One of the easier holes at Sheshan International GC, the 16th hole played 0.28 under par during the 2014 WGC-HSBC Champions. The par four yielded an eagle and 124 birdies during the tournament, but also 10 double bogies or worse as the hole’s quarry caused issues for competitors.
Fun Facts:

  • 2014 champion Bubba Watson feel victim to Sheshan’s 16th and 17th holes, scoring a bogey and double bogey respectively, before bouncing back with his famous hole out for an eagle from a greenside bunker to take the lead on the finishing hole.
  • Sheshan International Golf Club is the first private golf club in Shanghai and is built around 1000-year-old ginkgo trees, as well as a former rock quarry.
  • Martin Kaymer had the largest final day comeback in a WGC event with his 2011 WGC – HSBC Champions victory as he overcame a five shot deficit heading into the final round.
  • In 2009, the Sheshan International GC was recognized by Golf Digest as the No.68 golf course in the world outside of the US.