Tournament: WGC-HSBC Champions – Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China
Hole: 17th – Par 3, 212 Yards
Architect(s): Nelson and Haworth Design – 2004
Architectural Summary:
The 17th hole at Sheshan International Golf Club is a 212 yard par 3 which requires a carry over the large quarry short and to the right of the green. From the tee, competitors will look to play a mid to long-iron to the front left portion of the green to avoid the steep “fall-off” towards the 50 meter deep quarry that protects the entire right side of the green. Further protecting the green are four deep greenside bunkers, one left and three long. The two greenside bunkers furthest left will be a safe “miss” for competitors attempting to take the quarry out of play. Should any player find either of the bunkers, they will be left with a difficult recovery as the green slopes away from these bunkers. Players finding the front left portion of the green will often be rewarded with an uphill or side hill birdie attempt. The green itself measures 33 yards deep by 24 yards wide and slopes from back left to front right, but also falls away sharply at the right side of the putting surface. A substantial ridge bisects the middle of the green, creating two tiers. Any putts above the hole will be left with a difficult, downhill putt.
Statistical Analysis:
During the 2015 WGC-HSBC Champions, the 17th hole played as the most difficult par 3 with a scoring average of 3.003 (1 eagle, 48 birdies, 216 pars, 40 bogeys, 4 doubles, and 1 “other”).
Fun Facts:
- Sheshan International has played host to the HSBC Champions since 2005. The tournament is the first and only PGA Tour event in China with FedEx Cup points awarded.
- In 2015, Russell Knox played the 17th hole to one under par in his two-shot victory, which was the first World Golf Championships title for a Scot. Knox will also look to defend his title and become only the second player after Tiger Woods to successfully defend a WGC title.
- The 17th hole was the only par 3 over par in last year’s tournament despite K.T. Kim managing a hole-in-one during the final round.
- Nelson and Haworth moved over 1.5 million cubic meters of earth to create individual valleys and dramatic settings for each golf hole. They used the classic Donald Ross course, Oak Hill, as inspiration for the course creating downhill tee shots and approach shots to elevated greens.