Course
Opened – 1991
Course Designer – Yoshikazu Kato
Special Features - The par 3’s provide much of the drama of this course with the 14th the feature hole being played at 196 yards from an elevated tee to an island green. The par 3, 17th again played largely over water at 221 yards is a very demanding and attractive hole. General Playability - Only 9 under par won this event in 1998 when T Woods came from 8 behind on the final day with a 65 to beat E Els (73) in a play off. With the coastal wind normally a factor and some small and very undulating greens this can be a tough proposition. The cut in 1998 came at +3.
Undulating/ flat - Some notable changes in elevation on some holes especially 1, 7, 10, and 14
Tree lined/exposed - Tree lined.
Many / few water hazards - Many hazards. Water/canyons in play on holes 2, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18.
Changes to the course - New tees on 1, 3, 5, 8 and 14 have strengthened the test since the last time the event was at Blue Canyon raising the tournament yardage from 7099 to 7203.
Greens
Type of grass - Tifdwarf Bermuda
Height of cut - 3.75 mm
Speed/stimp reading – 10ft
Any specific comments – Some of the greens have a lot of slope, which will make them very challenging with pace although they will be reasonably receptive.
Fairways
Type of grass – Zoysia
Height of cut – 11mm
General width and contouring – Average width but holes such as 1, 4, 10, 13 and 15 have significant doglegs in the drive zone which make the tee shots more demanding.
Any specific comments - This grass does not promote much roll so the course plays its full length in this regard.
Tees
Type of grass – Zoysia
Height of cut - 8 mm
Any specific comments -
Collars
Type of grass - Zoysia
Height of cut – 8 mm
Any specific comments -
Rough
Type of grass – Zoysia
Semi-rough - Height of cut – 1.8m wide at 25mm
Intermediate Height of cut – 1.8m wide at 45mm
Rough - Height of cut – maintained rough at 75 – 80 mm
Any specific comments – This grass presents a reasonable tough test even at this height of cut
Weather
In advance – Extremely hot leading into the event with little rain.
Forecast for tournament – Expected max 33 degrees with light to moderate wind.
