Unveiling China’s Elite: The Most Exclusive Golf Clubs
All Square 4min read •
4 Mar
Golf in China is a tale of transformation—from a banned pastime under Mao’s regime to a playground for the nation’s wealthiest and most influential. Today, the country’s most exclusive golf clubs are more than just places to swing a club; they’re emblems of luxury, power, and the remarkable landscapes they inhabit. These courses, scattered across China’s diverse regions, offer not only world-class golf but also a glimpse into the cultural and natural wonders surrounding them.
Shanqin Bay Golf Club: Hainan’s Coastal Crown Jewel
On Hainan, the “Hawaii of China,” Shanqin Bay Golf Club is an exclusive haven. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this 18-hole course opened in 2012 on volcanic cliffs by the South China Sea. With fewer than 50 members, it’s ultra-rare. Fairways weave through rugged terrain, framed by ocean views, enhanced by Hainan’s warm climate. Nearby villages and beaches add charm, while its no-phone rule and remoteness—an hour from Hong Kong—keep it elite. The course’s dramatic elevation changes test even seasoned players. Hainan’s volcanic history also shapes its unique, otherworldly aesthetic.
Sheshan International Golf Club: Shanghai’s Urban Oasis
In Shanghai, Sheshan International Golf Club fuses city energy with calm. Opened in 2004 by Nelson & Haworth, this 7,266-yard, par-72 course hosts the WGC-HSBC Champions yearly. Membership costs $230,000, offering rolling hills and lakes, with the par-3 16th island green a standout. Shanghai’s humid climate suits year-round golf, near the city’s skyline and cultural spots like the Bund and Zhujiajiao. The club’s proximity to Shanghai’s elite districts makes it a social hub. Its meticulous landscaping mirrors the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Between Shenzhen and Dongguan, Mission Hills is the world’s largest golf facility, with 12 courses in Shenzhen since 1992, designed by Nicklaus and others. The 7,320-yard Blackstone Course highlights its 7-square-mile expanse, with Delta views. At $100,000, membership draws tycoons near Hong Kong, 30 miles away, with the Dapeng Peninsula adding historical depth. The complex’s scale rivals a small town, with luxury amenities galore. Its strategic location fuels its reputation as a business-golf nexus.
Spring City Golf & Lake Resort: Kunming’s Alpine Retreat
In Yunnan’s Kunming, “City of Eternal Spring,” Spring City sits at 6,200 feet with two courses: Nicklaus’s Mountain and Jones Jr.’s 7,204-yard Lake Course by Yangzonghai Lake. Membership tops $150,000, with thin air and plateau vistas. Yunnan’s ethnic diversity and Lijiang’s old town, plus Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, enrich its remote allure, 30 miles from Kunming. The resort’s high altitude adds a strategic edge to gameplay. Its serene isolation contrasts with Yunnan’s vibrant cultural pulse.
Pine Valley Golf Club: Beijing’s Imperial Hideaway
Near Beijing’s Great Wall, Pine Valley is an invite-only Nicklaus design from 2001, spanning 7,308 yards through pine forests. Exclusive to board-invited members, it’s hosted the Volkswagen Masters. Autumns and summers suit play, with the Wall and Forbidden City nearby, blending sport with imperial legacy. The club’s discreet prestige attracts China’s political and business elite. Its challenging layout reflects Beijing’s storied, resilient spirit.
Nine Dragons Admirals Golf Club: Zhejiang’s Coastal Sanctuary
Nestled along the Hangzhou Bay coastline in Zhejiang, Nine Dragons Admirals Golf Club blends seclusion with breathtaking views. Designed by Ron Fream, this par-72 course stretches over rolling hills with panoramic ocean vistas. The club’s private marina and luxury villas enhance its exclusivity, drawing high-profile members from Shanghai and beyond. The cooling sea breeze and lush greenery create an idyllic escape from urban life, making it one of the most picturesque golfing destinations in China.
Dalian Golden Pebble Beach Golf Club: Liaoning’s Northern Gem
Perched on the rugged coastline of Dalian, Golden Pebble Beach Golf Club is often called the “Pebble Beach of Asia.” This 36-hole complex, designed by Peter Thomson, offers dramatic cliffside holes overlooking the Yellow Sea. The course’s undulating fairways and natural rock formations provide both beauty and challenge. Membership is highly selective, catering to business elites and international visitors. Its temperate climate and stunning seascapes make it a year-round haven for discerning golfers.
These clubs are gateways to China’s regions — from Hainan’s shores to Beijing’s plains — offering luxury and challenge. They mark golf’s renaissance, reserved for the elite, where every swing reflects a nation’s rise.
