Shanghai-based training service JETT trains employees of retailers in how to deal with customers who insist on smoking in stores, says Ed Dean, JETT's founder. (Explain that the store wants to provide customers with the highest-quality products, and that smoke can tend to tarnish them.) "Problems emerge in China that multinational businesses don't always foresee when they look for employees, " Mr. Dean says.

WSJ: China's Fickle Talent Pool

"This golf course is not going to beat you up on length, it's going to beat you up from the middle of the fairway into the green, " said Jett.

BBC: Pinehurst's No.2 course also hosted the US Open in 1999

Jett said he "does not believe" a similar situation will happen this year, but added that Pinehurst's No.2 course (out of eight) is not a typical US Open layout.

BBC: Pinehurst's No.2 course also hosted the US Open in 1999