Known locally as 'The Beast', the course at this week's Porsche Singapore Open provides a unique test of man-made undulations against the backdrop of the city's iconic skyline.
The Asian Swing kicks off in the city-state of Singapore this week, where DP World Tour newcomers and favourites will contest the Porsche Singapore Classic at Laguna National Golf Club Resort.
One of two 18-hole courses at the Resort, a European Tour Destination, the 7420-yard Classic Course features undulating fairways and greens, 146 bunkers, and five water hazards.
Originally built in 1993, the layout has undergone two big redesigns in its 31 year history - in 2010 and 2017 - in order to modernise the course, and includes Singapore's own island green 17th in answer to TPC Sawgrass.
For players competing this week, the result is a test that demands a premium on approach play, with a big advantage given to those who can find the generous fairways.
"It's got more rolling hills than your links course in the U.K," Nicolas Colsaerts told the DP World Tour.
"The challenge is the perception of depth, which can be a bit tricky, and you rarely have a flat lie on the fairway, so I think that is going to be the challenge this week."
"It's very different from what we play in Europe usually, but it's quite nice," added Rasmus Hojgaard.
"Wide fairways, we can hit it long off the tee, but the greens are tricky. There are lots of slopes. You need to hit the right part of the greens. Just like here, you don't want to be long at 18, because that's a tricky up and down. So, you have really got to pay attention to where you hit your approach shots. I think we are all going to suffer. I'm not going to practise too much the days before the tournament. Need to keep the energy level as high as possible when we start on Thursday because it's going to be a battle."
In addition to the approach into difficult greens, one of the other challenges facing players this week is the potential impacts of the weather conditions.
Wind and humidity are two big factors to consider, and Mathieu Pavon admits that this course puts demands both phsyically and mentally on a player.
"It can be a tricky course if it is blowing over here," said Pavon, who returns to the DP World Tour after his recent victory on the PGA Tour.
"Some of the zones where you can get the pins on are tricky. I think it is a good test of golf and I really enjoy that golf course for sure. It is really hot here, very humid, so you definitely use your mind and your body. Staying hydrated and feeling fresh for the next day are keys this week for sure."
"It seems like a course that you can score on but of course you need to be sharp with every aspect of the game," agreed Matteo Manassero, playing for the first time since his emotional return to the winner's circle at the Jonsson Workwear Open two weeks ago.
"If you hit the ball far off the tee it helps of course because you have some really tough shots into undulating greens. Hitting your second shot and being in the right side of the green is really important because you can end up with some really difficult putts. I think if the wind blows it is not going to be easy, if the wind does not blow then I would expect birdies out there."
