Golf

The Best Golf Courses to Play in Hong Kong

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Nov 08, 2024 / 6309 Views

Evan Walker

Hosting some top-notch amateur and professional golf tournaments, the bustling global business hub of Hong Kong is likewise home to some of the best golf courses in the world. Read on for our full list.

With a population of 7.4 million, Hong Kong is the fourth-most densely populated region in the world. Over the years, the sparkling city has cultivated a love of golf among its denizens. And while a round of 18 holes does not come cheap, the facilities on offer match the best anywhere in the world. We look at some of the best golf courses available in Hong Kong, worthy of a visit from any golfing enthusiast.

10 of the best golf courses to play in Hong Kong

Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club

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Location: 139 Tai Au Mun Road, Clearwater Bay, N.T., Hong Kong

Nestled on the outskirts of Hong Kong, yet conveniently accessible from every corner of the city, the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club has an exquisite setting that is a world apart from the bustle of the metropolis. With more than 130 hectares of magnificent terrain bordering the South China Sea, this exclusive club is a sight to behold. The club boasts a classic 18-hole Golf course that is designed to challenge and appeal to Golfers of all skill levels.

Popularly referred as the “Pebble Beach of Asia”, the Clearwater Bay course is separated into the Highland Nine and Ocean Nine. Lush peaks, far-off islands, and the South China Sea provide a breathtaking backdrop. Beyond its fairways and greens, the club offers plenty more. It’s a lifestyle complex with exceptional amenities including driving ranges, tennis courts, badminton, squash courts, outdoor pools, spas, function rooms, cafes by the pool, indoor and outdoor play areas for kids, golf simulators, golf workshops, a tennis academy, pro shops, and more.

The Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East, an IHG Hotel, stands out as one of the top luxury golf hotels. With an array of amenities, it’s a great choice, and the fact that it’s just a 20-minute drive from the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club makes it a major plus for this golf property.

East Course – The Jockey Club, Kau Sai Chau

Location: P.O. Box 88, Sai Kung Post Office, New Territories, Hong Kong

Located off the shore of the Sai Kung Peninsula, the acclaimed Jockey Club, Kau Sai Chau is Hong Kong’s first and only public golf course. In 2008, the Nelson & Haworth design team unveiled the East Course, a meticulously crafted golfing experience that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural landscape and pays homage to local cultural elements.

The course is popular for its tricky layout, stunning mountainous backgrounds, and expansive views of the ocean. The course stretches 6,640 yards from the back tees, and golf carts are the only way to navigate the rugged terrain. Also, the 18-hole, par-72 course is one of the few public courses in the world with ocean views from every hole.

North Course – The Jockey Club, Kau Sai Chau

Location: Kau Sai Chau, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong

Masterfully designed by South African golf icon Gary Player, the North Course at Jockey Club, Kau Sai Chau stands as a true golfing landmark in Hong Kong. The 6,719-yard course requires absolute accuracy and precision in play. This walking-only course is particularly appealing to those who want authentic links-style golf. It reminds players of an island golfing paradise with its timeless vibe and breathtaking views of the South China Sea. The course plays a critical part in fulfilling the club’s objective, which is to provide high-quality, easily accessible, and reasonably priced golf for the people of Hong Kong.

South Course – The Jockey Club, Kau Sai Chau

best golf courses hong kong — (Image: The Jockey Club, Kau Sai Chau)

Location: Kau Sai Chau, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong

Another brilliant creation by Gary Player, the South Course bears the architect’s imprint well. At 5,906 yards, it is the shortest of the three courses at the Jockey Club. Despite its modest length, the 18-hole par 69 course has plenty of character and surprises. A serene experience awaits golfers of all skill levels as the course alternates between coastal and inland regions, with lush flora on one side and views of the South China Sea on the other. The course offers options for both walkers and golf cart riders; additionally, nine-hole and twilight rounds are also available for playing in the afternoon.

Discovery Bay Golf Club

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Location: Discovery Valley Road., Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Established in 1983, the Discovery Bay Golf Club is an unmatched golfing getaway in Hong Kong. The facility is an elite private members’ club that was originally designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. 

The golf club is home to Jade, Diamond, and Ruby Nines, three of the most challenging courses in the region. The Diamond Course, with its dramatic elevation changes and quickly sloping greens, is regarded as the most challenging layout among the three. Compared to Diamond, the Ruby Course is less difficult off the tee and has incredible views from its lofty elevations. The Jade Course, unlike the previous two, features more water and more challenging dogleg holes.

Among top amenities available are a clubhouse, Chinese and Western dining options, a driving range, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a luxurious private event room, and mahjong rooms.

Old Course – Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling

Location: Lot No. 1/Fan Kam Road, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong

The venerable Old Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, is a Golfing treasure steeped in History. Since 1911, the course has been a highlight of the Hong Kong Golf scene. Measuring 6,246 yards from the championship tees, it’s not about sheer length. Instead, it places a premium on accuracy. Players will find themselves stumbling over fairways bordered by trees while they play. These old guardians have seen a great deal of drives and putts. At this course, it’s not about thunderous drives; it’s all about finesse. The club also provides visitors with a plethora of amenities.

New Course – Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling

Location: Lot No. 1/Fan Kam Road, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong

A modern counterpart to its venerable sibling, the New Course stands as a testament to the evolution of golf. Designed by L.S. Greenhill, the course first opened its doors in 1931. In 1968, John Harris and Peter Thomson worked on upgrades. The course is the longest of the three at the Hong Kong Golf Club, measuring a good 6,520 yards from the championship tees. The New Course exudes a strong sense of heritage thanks to its fully grown trees. Every year, it proudly hosts the Hong Kong Amateur Championships for men and women. Eight of its holes are prominently included on the famed Composite Course, which hosts the Hong Kong Open. The club provides a variety of amenities to guarantee that guests have a wonderful experience.

Eden Course – Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling

Location: Lot No. 1/Fan Kam Road, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong

Opened in 1970, the Eden Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, measures 6,106 yards from the championship tees. The prestigious Composite Course, featuring 10 of its holes, hosts the illustrious Hong Kong Open. Although it has a relatively short layout, it doesn’t lack intimidation. Many holes feature narrow fairways flanked by imposing trees on both sides. The course is consistently kept in excellent condition, and the greens are swift, seamless, and challenging. The Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling provides guests with an extensive array of amenities, such as a bar, sauna, children’s room, and poolside eating options.

Deep Water Bay – Hong Kong Golf Club

Location: 19 Island Road, Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong

Tucked away as an underrated gem, the compact 9-hole Deep Water Bay course sits on the southern tip of the island. Its historic roots tracing back to the English colonial era (precisely 1898), making it the oldest golf club in Hong Kong. Since 1959, the Hong Kong Golf Club has proudly hosted the prestigious Hong Kong Open.

But that’s not all, the facility offers more than just fairways. The night range for evening swings under the stars is an experience that cannot be missed. Furthermore, Deep Water Bay also offers a wide range of tailored services and modern recreational facilities for members and guests. From the practice range and pro shop to the sauna, swimming pool, gymnasium, dining options, bar, and bistro, there’s something to delight every golfer.

Shek O Country Club

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Location: 5 Shek O Road, Shek O, Hong Kong

Established in 1919, the Shek O Golf and Country Club proudly stands as one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia. Located on the southeast coast of Hong Kong, this is a private golf course accessible only to members. Its layout is short, with the back nine meandering through a serene valley and the front nine providing magnificent views of the ocean. The course features a collection of excellent short par 4s and a handful of enticing risk-reward holes, creating an overall delightful golfing experience. Additionally, the club’s modest clubhouse provides reasonable facilities and services for guests.