Chicago-based architect Rick Jacobson has completed construction on another project in China.

Jacobsen’s new Desert Forest course is located in Yulin, a city of 3.4 million people located an hour by air from Beijing.

Currently in grow-in, Jacobson says the Desert Forest Course is defined by its massive sand dunes and significant elevation changes along with water features on several holes. The course is expected to open next summer and is the first of two the Yulin Golden Dunes residential development. The second course will have a desert links theme.

“Yulin Golden Dunes is in a high desert region with an elevation of 1,140 metres (3,750 feet) – and features topography characterised by 20-50 foot rolling dunes that we have used to frame holes, create strategic options, and bring interest and excitement to the golf experience,” Jacobson said.

Water comes into play on seven holes with several connected lakes serving as a water collection system designed to supply irrigation throughout the course. Jacobson is planting native shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and pines to accentuate the desert environment.

The golf course landscape is designed to reflect a regional effort to reduce desertification by reducing wind erosion with specific plant varieties, Jacobson said.

“Yulin Golden Dunes is going to be unique in the Chinese market from a visual perspective and from a playability standpoint,” Jacobson said. “The massive dunes will differentiate the golf experience from all other courses in this international market.”