Opened for play in 1972, Sentosa Golf Club's renovated The Tanjong Course is among the most picturesque and challenging of all Singapore's courses. Golfers should take time to enjoy the visual treats of the South China Sea as they embark on their golfing adventure around the 6,218-metre (from the blue tees), par-72 layout that features a series of gullies and water hazards as well as diverse flora and fauna.

Hole 1

This is a very intimidating opening tee shot; two expertly executed shots are required to get your round off to a solid start. Off the tee you should favour a 3-wood or long iron to ensure you're in position to cross the hazard that juts into the fairway. Given that the approach shot needs to carry the hazard, the tendency is to target the back of the green, which can leave a long putt since the pin is at the front.

Hole 2

This is a very scenic par-three, one of the most photographed holes in the region. Exposed to the ocean breeze, the second requires a sweetly-struck iron from an elevated tee-box to an island green surrounded by bunkers. It is always advisable to take one club more than usual here to ensure you carry the trouble short of the putting surface.

Hole 3

This is the first of the four long holes. A good drive will be rewarded by a straightforward approach to the green. The key to success here is the drive, which must carry a water hazard that then flanks the length of the hole on the left and also avoid strategically placed sand traps. Accuracy is also called for with the second shot, as water runs all the way down the left, and out-of-bounds looms on the right.

Hole 4

A mighty uphill par-four off the tee, the ideal drive is left of the big tree that borders the right of the fairway. You are then faced with a daunting approach to a trick, undulating green where single putts are rare. A creek runs up the left of the hole and you're unlikely to save par from either of the greenside bunkers.

Hole 5

Trust the yardage here. An uphill par-three surrounded by bunkers, you cannot see the bottom of the flag from the tee. This is another hole where it is advisable to take at least one club more from the tee than you might usually. Accuracy here is paramount as right and left are out-of-bounds.

Hole 6

Accuracy is more important than distance on this par-five, which dog-legs to the right. From this elevated tee, you should aim to the left of the fairway; anything to the right will either catch the bunker, fly out-of-bounds or leave you with a blind second. Assuming you're in position off the tee, a lay-up to the right will leave a safe wedge approach. Or longer hitters can have a go at the green with the second shot, a classic risk-reward decision.

Hole 7

Likened to the famous "Road Hole" at St. Andrews, Scotland, with water left and right and a bunker on the right of the fairway, your nerves will be tested from the tee. Driving with an iron may be the most prudent way to tackle this hole. As long as you find the fairway you'll be left with a chance of reaching the green in regulation and making a welcome par.

Hole 8

This is a classic short par-four where the tee-shot will dictate your likely fate. Big hitters can aim to drive over the bunker on the corner of the dog-leg right, which will leave a wedge approach. Beware, though, the bunkers will catch any shot that drifts to the right. The more conservative approach off the tee is to aim left. It's a safer route but leaves a considerably longer second shot.

Hole 9

This is a demanding uphill dog-leg left. To close out the front nine with a par you will need to produce two of your best strikes, aiming right-centre of the fairway with the drive followed by an accurate approach avoiding the greenside bunkers. The sloping green will also test your putting skills.

Hole 10

Opening the back nine is a tricky hole that requires a well thought out strategy. From the tee the hole dog-legs to the left. It is, therefore, imperative to stay away from the bunker on the left. For all but the longest of hitters, who may reach the lake on the right, the aim should be to place your second in between the bunkers on the left of the fairway and the water hazard on the right. That will still leave a knee-trembling approach.

Hole 11

The eleventh is another strong par-four. The opening drive requires a modest carry over the lake in the first 100 metres. To open up the second shot to the green the drive needs to split the fairway and avoid the ominous bunker on the left-hand side. Take care with the approach as trouble lurks on the right in the shape of a deep bunker and a water hazard that is hidden from the fairway.

Hole 12

The longest of the four par-fives this is a hole that needs to be tackled with respect. Aim right-centre of the fairway from the tee. The second shot to this dog-leg must carry a creek. Bearing in mind the bunkers on the right, don't be afraid to keep your ball well right as this will open up the narrow entrance to the elevated green for the approach.

Hole 13

Following a refreshing, cool drink at the half-way house, relax and marvel at the panoramic view from this elevated tee. Depending on the pin position there can be a couple of clubs difference. Be positive with the club of your choice, and watch as your ball soars towards its target. The downhill bunkers to the left and right of the green are something to watch out for.

Hole 14

This is a genuine birdie chance, as long as you find the fairway with your drive. Stay clear of the water on the left and the ditch on the right, and you will be filled with confidence as you begin the homeward stretch.

Hole 15

A dog-leg to the right, your drive should be targeted left of the bunker that hugs the right side of the fairway, leaving 150 metres to the green. Your approach shot should favour the right portion of the putting surface, taking out of play the bunkers and ditch that are on the left.

Hole 16

Check the pin position before choosing your weapon as the distance differs considerably from a front pin to one at the back of the green. Steer clear of the front right bunker from where an up-and-down par will be a noteworthy achievement.

Hole 17

Standing guard on the left and right are bunkers protecting the precious fairway. While a good drive should set you up for a birdie opportunity, it is equally easy to drop a shot or two for the unsuspecting golfer.

Hole 18

Uphill, this hole plays longer than its yardage suggests. A precise drive is required to miss the fairway bunkers on the left and the hollow on the right from where reaching the green is problematic. With large green slopes uphill front to back, note the pin position prior to selecting your club.