American architect Rick Jacobson has opened his first golf course in China. The Moon course at  Lion Lake Resort, northwest of Guangzhou, had a soft opening in August after completion of grow-in.

Jacobson is involved a number of projects in China, including Lion Lake’s new 18-hole Moonlight course, which is currently under construction. Lion Lake is a mixed-use hotel, resort, residential, and office development located in China’s largest golf market.

“We are very pleased that we have reached the point where golfers are playing the Moon Course,” Jacobson said.  “The process of designing and building a course is most satisfying when all the work is done and people are enjoying the game.” 

Management company Troon Golf is operating the facility. The course will host the inaugural Ambassadors Cup Invitational tournament from 20-22 November, with ambassadors from 49 nations taking part in an international competition. 

Jacobson says the two courses are a study in contrasts. The Moon Course is an unrefined quasi-inland links course featuring native grasses, pine and juniper plantings, and bunkers with native grass eyebrows. Red rock outcroppings define the course’s visual character. 

In contrast, the Moonlight Course has a highly manicured look with a lush tropical landscape and  bunkers with long flowing lines in the style of Alister MacKenzie. “The two courses are a very dramatic contrast in design styles that will provide golfers with a variety of challenges and differing golf experiences,” Jacobson said.