Tom- This is the third par 3 course we have done for Mission Hills. The first , at the Shenzhen complex, is 18 holes representing different green concepts through the ages.......( I figured China never had the history lesson so we walk them from old to new with all you would expect and then some). It gets light play as it is detached from the clubhouse AND open only to the highest level membership. I do not think there has ever been a big push to see a lot of play. It sold out all the houses ( 100 at $1,000,000 each) in one day so it did its job.
The latest in Haikou are very different in concept. One ( as seen in the photos) is very solid and quite a challenge for any player although the holes are generally only in the 100 to 120 yard range. It is also detached from the main club so I would guess play will be light, even with it free for customers who play one of the bigger courses.
The second is a "double pin " concept........one easy pin and one very difficult on good sized greens with plenty of turf surrounds. It should get all levels from beginners to advanced working on their game. It is adjacent to the next Clubhouse /hotel/practice area complex so it will get plenty of play when that world gets built out. Right now it is a 15 minute drive from the existing hotel ( the project is 7 miles long).
Helpful hint......... In many parts of China, you get a set amount of residential for a "golf course" regardless of how big it is. Why go big if small does the job and saves land and money? Besides , par 3's make for the best views and nobody rains topflights on your patio.
In general. we have noticed a movement with some clients no longer interested in the big courses. Three of the Mission Hills Haikou courses are in the 6400 yard , par 70 range with plenty of turf to hit it, find it, and hit it again. My hope is that others will look to Mission Hills and say, "if they can do it, maybe so can I ". I am trying my best to get away from the scorecard wars .
P.S.- We are building an 18 hole par 3 course for Pulte Homes in Indio right now as well. Makes for great views and they are selling homes , even in a brutal market.