Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design, a partnership of Dana Fry, ASGCA and Jason Straka, ASGCA, announces two new projects in China, both scheduled to open May 1.
One golf course is located in Shanghai, while the other is in Anji, about a two-hour drive southwest of Shanghai. Fry oversaw both projects.
“This is an exciting time for the growth of golf in China, representative of the opportunity for more people around the globe to experience and enjoy the game,” said Fry. “We are pleased to be a part of golf’s worldwide expansion.”
Qizhong Garden Golf Club
Qizhong Garden Golf Club is an 18-hole private golf club in Shanghai. While it was a naturally flat site, the concept was to create a “Calusa Pines-style” course. In excess of one million cubic meters of earth were moved, and over 6,000 trees were planted. The par-72 layout, measuring over 7,100 yards, features grade changes of over 40 feet.
“I am confident Qizhong Garden Golf Club is likely to take its place as the best course in the Shanghai area,” Fry said.
Phoenix Hill Golf Club
The first 18 holes of the 27-hole complex at Phoenix Hill Golf Club, in Anji, China, will open May 1, as will the golf clubhouse. Construction on the third nine holes will begin in August. The attached hotel, which will be a JW Marriott, will open later this year or in early 2014.
The first 18 holes of the par-72 Phoenix Hill GC layout will measure over 7,200 yards. The course is set in vast valleys, with villa sites set up high on ridges surrounding each hole. Many holes play through the valleys, where slopes rising above the fairways are lined in tea plants.
“This site, with all the naturally valleys, man-made streams, waterfalls, stone bridges and rock work throughout, as well as the spectacular mountain vistas in all directions, is one of the most dramatic I have ever seen,” said Fry. “This golf course, in my opinion, will be one of China’s top-rated courses.”