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Overview
Nestled 40 minutes from Kunming at 2,100 m above sea level, the Lake Course at Spring City Golf & Lake Resort showcases Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s artful blend of natural beauty and strategic challenge. Opened in 1998, this 18-hole, par-72 championship layout leverages dramatic elevation changes and lakefront vistas to create one of Asia’s most memorable rounds.
Design Philosophy
Trent Jones Jr. subscribed to the “three-style” theory—strategic, penal, and heroic—but here he lets the land speak for itself. Rather than imposing artificial features, the Lake Course follows natural contours, rolling terraces, and existing water bodies. Every tee shot (except the 13th) demands thoughtful club selection, while generous fairways and bentgrass greens reward precision.
Signature Features
- 150-Foot Descent to the 8th Green
From the elevated clubhouse, the front nine steps dramatically downhill to a lakeside green, offering panoramic views and a thrilling test of distance control. - Terraced Fairways & Camber
Built on ledges and slopes, holes tumble toward Yangzong Lake in a series of natural terraces. Criss-crossing trenches and contoured greens protect par, especially on the risk-reward 7th and 8th holes. - Lakeside Show-Stoppers
Holes 7 (short, dogleg par-4), 8 (plunging par-3), and 9 (downhill par-5) form a spectacular lakeside trilogy, often played into prevailing breezes for added drama.
Playing the Course
- Strategy over Power
With narrow landing areas and strategically placed bunkers, the emphasis is on shotmaking rather than sheer distance. Seek the high side of greens and avoid the thick native grasses that line many fairways. - Buggies Recommended
The steep terrain and significant height changes make buggies essential for comfort and pace of play. Use the ride to survey upcoming holes and plan your approach. - Year-Round Comfort
At 2,100 m elevation, Spring City enjoys mild summers and cool winters—ideal for uninterrupted golf even when lower-lying regions stifle in heat.
Course Details
- Holes/Par/Yardage: 18/72/approximately 7,000 yards
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Opened: 1998
- Key Recognition: Consistently ranked among China’s top courses and listed in “100 Best Golf Courses Outside the United States” by Golf Digest.
Why the Lake Course Stands Out in 2025
- Natural Integration: Minimal earthmoving preserves indigenous pines, rock outcroppings, and lakeshore panoramas.
- Strategic Complexity: Elevation shifts and natural hazards demand thoughtful play on every hole.
- Stunning Ambience: A backdrop of Yangzong Lake and distant peaks turns each round into a visual feast.
- Climate Advantage: Summer retreats to 2,100 m bring cooler air, making this a preferred escape from Asia’s swelter.
- World-Class Prestige: A flagship Robert Trent Jones Jr. design in the heart of Yunnan’s golf renaissance.
Whether you seek a demanding strategic test or an unforgettable lakeside setting, the Lake Course at Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort delivers both in equal measure. In 2025, it remains a must-play for any golfer exploring China’s highland fairways.
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