Seowon Hills CC ☆ Follow

Seowon Hills CC is a public golf course located in Gwangtan-myeon, Paju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The facility features a 27-hole layout divided into an 18-hole International Course and a 9-hole Public Course. The International Course is composed of the West and South nines, while the Public Course consists of the East nine. The course was originally designed by Song Ho, with a design philosophy centered on nature, strategy, and emotion. In 2023, the International Course underwent a renovation led by world-renowned course architect David M. Dale to prepare it for top-tier professional competition. The 18-hole International Course plays to a par of 72 and features Kentucky Bluegrass tees, fairways, and rough, with Pen-A1 greens. The total yardage from the black tees is 7,066 yards, with the West nine measuring 3,547 yards and the South nine measuring 3,519 yards. The course is characterized by 81 strategically placed bunkers, many of which are designed with thick lips and natural erosion shapes to maximize visual impact and strategic difficulty. The East nine, serving as the Public Course, plays to a par of 36 and measures 3,311 yards from the black tees, featuring Kentucky Bluegrass tees and Zoysia grass fairways and rough with creeping bentgrass greens. Seowon Hills CC is notable for hosting the BMW Ladies Championship, an LPGA Tour event. The tournament was held at the course in 2023 and 2024, with the 2023 event played from 6,544 yards and the 2024 event from 6,666 yards. The course design emphasizes strategic shot-making, with holes that offer multiple play lines and angles. Key features include the 3rd hole on the West nine, a par-4 that challenges players to choose between a safe short drive or a longer one for a better second shot, and the 8th hole on the South nine, a par-4 known as "Maverick" that offers distinct strategies for conservative and aggressive players. The layout includes several signature holes that test various aspects of a golfer's game. The 1st hole on the West nine is a long par-5 that allows for aggressive play if players can carry the fairway bunkers. The 7th hole on the West nine is a downhill par-3 that requires precise distance control due to the skyline view and potential penalties. On the South nine, the 5th hole is a demanding par-3 with a narrow entrance to the green, flanked by bunkers, while the 6th hole is a par-5 that offers a second excellent shot opportunity for long hitters. The course demands careful navigation of its undulating terrain and strategically located hazards.