The Serapong

The opening hole on The Serapong is a relatively short par-four dogleg right, where a good tee shot is crucial. Push your tee shot too far right and your approach will be blocked by trees or find a fairway trap. Go left and your ball might kick off the right to left slanting fairway. Find the landing area on the fairway and you face a fairly straight forward approach.

The skyscrapers of Singapore’s Central Business District first come into view on the tee of the short par-three second. The green drops down well below the tee requiring a delicate shot which will hopefully see your ball drift down onto the target. It is one of the easiest holes on the course although beware of the six bunkers surrounding the tricky green.

The cavalier golfer who has plenty of length to his game will relish playing the par-four dogleg fourth which has a strong left hand dogleg. Clear the trees on the left and your ball will kick off the down slope and run towards the approach of the green. The landing area is elevated and makes the hole more challenging from the tee.

This dogleg left par five sweeps around the tidal lagoon which enhances the daunting look from the tee. A mighty blow off the tee that clears a large lagoon and leaves an excellent opportunity to reach the green in two. The average golfer is best not to flirt with the water and should aim at the landing on the right. In order to make the hole more challenging, there are bunkers placed in the fairway to challenge the tee shots.

The Signature Hole on The Serapong. It boasts wonderful views of the Singapore skyline, looking out onto one of the busiest ports in the world from the green. The landing area off the tee is fairly wide with large bunkers on both sides of the fairway. Two strong hits are required to reach the large tricky green

This hole requires an accurate drive into a well bunkered fairway. Professionals have the chance to reach the green with one sweet strike or from the tee risk hitting into the narrow sea channel on the right or getting caught in one of the many bunkers. The landing area is nestled next to the water. From there a short iron is needed to carry sand and a rock formation known as the “Dragon’s tooth” that partially obscures the green.

The picturesque seventh features jungle on the left and the sea channel all the way down the right side, where coastguard boats are moored on the other side. It certainly is a hole where you might need to be rescued as bunkers also lie in wait near the landing area. A good drive is vital and sets you up nicely to find the green safely in three or for the big hitters in two. There is one additional large bunker located in the second landing area, just below a large rubber tree to make the second shot more strategic.

After a stretch of difficult holes, the par-three eighth allows you something of a breather. However, three deep bunkers on the left and one on the right will catch errant tee shots and could easily spoil your scorecard.

The first nine is brought to conclusion by a strong par four. Sentosa Golf Club’s splendid new Serapong Pavilion can be seen in the distance while during the week of the Singapore Open the view is awash with hospitality marquees and crowds. The lake on the right is a threat off the tee as are several fairway bunkers.

This short tree lined par four is pleasant on the eye and a definite birdie opportunity. A slight dogleg to the right, it has a fairly wide landing area from the tee, although the key thing here is not to drive too far as you will find sand. A fairway trap to the left side increases the difficulty level. Find the fairway and you will have a short iron into what is a new green.

The dogleg right 11th is another chance for birdie, particularly for professionals. The fairway slopes from left to right feeding your ball into the hole, particularly if you hit your tee shot just right of the left fairway trap. Professionals have normally played this hole by hitting a booming drive over the crest of the hill followed by a wedge.

The relatively easy start to the back nine continues with the par-five 12th, which does not pose too many problems. Professionals can reach this hole in two, while the average golfer can comfortably find the putting surface in three. The hole veers slightly to the right with bunkers strategically placed to challenge shots - whether you are laying up or going for the green in two.

This hole is strategic. Club selection is crucial; with water on the right and bunkers left as the landing area gets narrower. The safe option is to hit a fairway wood off the tee or long iron – this leaves you a challenging long second shot but the driver will get you in trouble. The large waste bunker running up to the green comes into play while the green will provide fair and interesting contours

Flanked by the waters of the Singapore port on the left and a large lake wide to the right, this par three plays long and into a testing green that slopes severely away from the harbour. Par is a good score on this hole especially if the wind is up.

An intimidating par four and one that enhances The Serapong’s reputation as a championship layout. The fairway is very narrow with the sea channel running all the way down the left side. Bunkers on the left and right and a pot bunker at the back protect the green and demands full concentration.

While the par-four 16th seems to be less demanding it is one that can catch you off guard if you are not concentrating. The hole turns slightly to the left, it is imperative that your tee shot finds the landing area, leaving you a clear shot with a mid-iron to the green. A picturesque stream about 30 yards short of the green should not come into play and simply helps you enjoy The Serapong Course.

The second shortest hole on the course measures 169 metres and is rated the easiest hole. A large bunker to the right of the green is the main obstacle, although it is quite shallow.

The final hole provides a fitting finish to The Serapong and will always lend itself to a dramatic finish at the Singapore Open. A dogleg left par five with a lake dominating the entire left side, it is reachable in two for professionals, although bunkering counters provide real challenges. The green has been lowered and moved closer to the lake.