We're kind of at a critical juncture in the construction, where we're awaiting the irrigation materials to arrive from the United States," Hanse said. "Hopefully the installation of those materials starts soon thereafter, early January, and if all goes well, we'll have water flying sometime in March and we'll start putting grass on the ground then."
Twelve of the 18 holes are completely shaped, while four more are nearly done. The greens on those 16 holes are shaped and ready for sod. Hanse expects to clear out the land for the final two holes and have them shaped by February.
If that all goes as planned, the course will open in June 2015 and a test event will take place in August 2015, one year in advance of the Olympic tournament. But local and political issues have delayed Hanse up until this point, so nothing can be guaranteed.
"It's been a little bit more difficult than we thought," Hanse said.
Here's a longer sit-down interview with Hanse, who also covers his inspiration for the course (Augusta National and Royal Melbourne) and how he plans to make it tough for the world's most elite golfers, but also enjoyable for the average player who will get to play the public course after the Olympics: