The Surprising Choices of Golf in Hong Kong

Golf in Hong Kong has a long history. The Royal Hong Kong Golf Club was founded way back in 1889, which places it among a prestigious group of the 100 oldest clubs outside of Scotland. The club, now known as Hong Kong Golf Club, certainly emanates tradition and history. Therefore, no trip for any golf aficionado would be complete without teeing off at one of its three courses. The good news is that there are several other world class courses to play in Hong Kong.

Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club

Ranked #1 in Hong Kong and #25 in Asia on All Square
Approximately 35 minutes away from the city center.

Clearwater Bay is dramatically situated on the cliff top of a rugged peninsula that protrudes out into the South China Sea. A redesign by the Thomson-Perrett company in 2006 greatly enhanced the quality of this must-see course. They reversed both sets of 9s, making them very contrasting, and added green side bunkers. The Ocean 9 is spectacular and has drawn comparisons with the celebrated Pebble Beach. The Highland 9 is routed over much hillier terrain with risk and reward carries over gullies and ravines.

Kau Sai Chau (North)

Ranks #2 in Hong Kong on All Square
Approximately 45 minutes away from the city center (includes a ferry).

The North Course at Kau Sai Chau is one of the best public golf courses to play in southeast Asia. It’s one of three 18-hole courses that make up this excellent golf resort which has great views across Hong Kong. This is a walking course and, due to some testing undulations, it’s a physical as well as a golfing challenge. Percentage golf is the key on this Gary Player designed course, and the standout hole is the par-3 14^th where the hillside green is reached through beaches and mangrove trees.

Discovery Bay Golf Club

Ranks #3 in Hong Kong on All Square
Approximately 40 minutes away from the city center.

The original 18-hole course at Discovery Bay Golf Club was laid out across this mountainous site by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1983. Nine years later, another nine holes were added. The three 9s: Ruby, Jade and Diamond are open to visitors on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The Diamond is the hardest 9, with acute elevation variations and greens with large borrows. Situated on the northeast coast of Lantau Island, Ruby is the easiest and also offers sensational views of Hong Kong Harbour and the South China Sea due to its elevation.

Hong Kong Golf Club

Ranks #4 in Hong Kong on All Square
Approximately 20 minutes away from the city center.

The 130-year-old Hong Kong Golf Club has three 18-hole courses: the Old, New and Eden. The annual Hong Kong Open is played here, over a composite of the Eden and New courses. The New course is the flattest and longest and is regarded as the easiest. There are many world class driving holes on all three courses and the greens are quick and receptive to well struck irons. The Club itself is somewhat of an institution and still maintains an ambiance of Sunningdale or Royal St Georges in England. 

Shek O Country Club

Approximately 35 minutes away from the city center

This course dates back to 1921 and though the basic layout has remained the same it has been upgraded for playability and safety reasons. Sheck O Country Club clings to the coastline on a very small piece of property, with just enough room to set out 18 exciting holes comprising of eleven par 4s and seven par 3s that play to a length of 4,644 yards. The front 9 looks out over the ocean and the second 9 traverses its way through a serene valley. It’s a course which lends itself to a fun day out.