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Header images courtesy of Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club
Originally published by Jordan Fuller. Last updated by Beverly Ngai.
Whether you are a local who is just getting into golf or a traveller passing through for business or for fun, Hong Kong offers some great golf courses for all levels. Golf has been proven to improve cardiovascular health, lower stress levels, and even improve sleep! Even if you only have a few hours to spare in Hong Kong, these spectacular courses and driving ranges are well worth the visit.
Covering everything from private clubs, public courses, driving ranges, and even virtual golf simulators, there is a variety of options for every kind of golfer. Here are some of the best places to play golf in Hong Kong.
Looking to practise a few swings with a backdrop of picturesque views? The Kau Sai Chau Golf Club in Sai Kung offers a choice between three beautiful courses. Located on the island of Kau Sai Chau, this golf course is maintained by The Jockey Club and is the only public golf course in Hong Kong—and it’s a gorgeous one at that. Bear in mind that you will need to hop on a designated ferry from Sai Kung to go to Kau Sai Chau so it’s vital to plan and book your tee-time ahead of your visit.
From the three, the South Course is the shortest and was designed by renowned South African golfer Gary Player, moulded around the natural landscape of the island. For a links-like feel, try the walkable North Course; the par-3 fourteenth hole is the tricky signature hole and features an island green. Be mindful of the wind to get a good score here! Finally, the East Course offers spectacular sea and mountain views. It’s not walkable, but you can’t miss the striking panoramas from the golf cart.
Kau Sai Chau Golf Club, Kau Sai Chau, Sai Kung
Hong Kong Golf Club Fanling also has three courses for the budding golfer. Its historic Old Course is over a century old and features long, straight fairways lined with large, beautiful trees. An interesting array of views include the contrast of magnificent mountains and city skyscrapers. Despite its name, the New Course is not much younger, having opened in 1931. It hosts the Hong Kong Amateur Championships and is a suitably challenging course, including sneaky dog-legs, hidden bunkers, and even an unusual tiered green. If neither of the above appeals to you, you can also try your hand at the pastoral Eden Course.
Do note that the Hong Kong Golf Club Fanling is a private club with a notorious 20-year waitlist for memberships, so if you’re new to the golfing game, you’ll want to tag along with an existing member.
Hong Kong Golf Club Fanling, Lot No. 1 Fan Kam Road, Fanling
If you want to play one of the most acclaimed golf courses in the world, the signature third hole at Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club is waiting. A par-4 with four tee-off spots to choose from, it features a bend to the right peppered with sand traps. If you make it past the bunkers, you’ll need to be extremely precise to prevent your ball from rolling off the ocean-surrounded green. Its 27-hole golf course is futuristically irrigated by a reverse osmosis plant that takes in seawater and desalinates it.
Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, 139 Tai Au Mun Road, Clear Water Bay | (+852) 2335 3700
Discovery Bay Golf Club is a 27-hole championship golf course that is split into three nine-hole courses: the Diamond, the Jade, and the Ruby. You will also find a driving range near the clubhouse. More experienced golfers will find the Jade and Diamond courses to be pleasantly challenging, while beginners will enjoy the more forgiving Ruby course. All three feature breathtaking panoramic views, as the Discovery Bay Golf Club is situated 230 metres above sea level on a mountain. Just 20 minutes away from the airport and a 10-minute drive from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, this may be the best club for those with family in tow.
Discovery Bay Golf Club, Discovery Valley Road, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island | (+852) 2987 7273
You’ll need to accompany a member to the Shek O Country Club, but it’s certainly worth the effort. The front nine play to an ocean view, while the back nine meander through a peaceful valley, making this a perfect day out. There’s no signature hole on this course, but it features a mix of straight-forward and challenging holes, making it an excellent choice for beginners or amateurs and a nice break for more seasoned golfers.
Shek O Country Club, 5 Shek O Road, Shek O | (+852) 2809 4458
Whether you are new to the sport or a golfing veteran, you are sure to find the right challenge for you at this world-class private indoor golf centre in Sheung Wan. Using state-of-the-art Korean indoor golf simulator technology, The Upper Loft lets you travel around the globe and practise your swing in 200 internationally renowned golf courses, including St Andrews in the United Kingdom and Pebble Beach in the United States.
Environmental factors like weather, wind speed, and inclination are also fully customisable to provide a realistic outdoor experience. Looking for a bit of extra guidance? Hone their putting skills with the club’s team of PGA-certified professional coaches, who offer private lessons for golfers of all skill levels!
The Upper Loft, Shun Tak Centre, Shop 402C, 4/F, 200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan | (+852) 3421 2888
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Hi Tee Golf is an indoor golf experience that provides something fun and different for families and experienced golfers when inclement weather discourages outdoor golfing. It features cutting-edge GCQuad technology to simulate the real thing with extreme accuracy. It’s a comfortable and exciting alternative to being out on the course, plus you can choose to play through world-famous greens like Pebble Beach, St Andrews, and more.
Maximus Golf Studio is the place to be if you’re looking for the most upmarket indoor golf experience in Hong Kong. Under the guidance of well-trained golf specialists, you can have your swing mechanics, movement quality, and physical fitness assessed, as well as receive tuition on how to develop your game. If you’re serious about learning and improving, taking customised training at Maximus is the best and most fun way to do it.
Maximus Golf Studio, 8/F, 69 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan | (+852) 2151 2178
South China Athletic Association (SCAA) is a complete sporting facility in Causeway Bay, offering a wide variety of both indoor and outdoor sports. Its golf simulator centre features five different driving ranges, as well as six multi-functional conference rooms, so it’s an excellent place for a business meeting with a twist. Additionally, the SCAA is also home to a two-storey driving range with 49 bays for you to practise your swings!
South China Athletic Association, 88 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay | (+852) 2577 4437
According to Bay 247, no time is a bad time to golf. Rain or shine, night or day, you can pick up a club and scratch that itch to tee off. Having recently opened its doors in the heart of Causeway Bay, Bay 247 is Hong Kong’s first twenty-four-seven, fully automated golfing indoor facility. The modern-minimalist venue is equipped with four air-conditioned private rooms for up to six people, allowing you to take a swing in the comfort of your own space. Private and group lessons with professional coaches are also available for pre-booking if you want to take your playing to the next level!
Bay 247, 12/F, First Commercial Building, 33 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay | (+852) 6662 4247
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer who loves to travel the world and find new, challenging courses to play on. While he is enjoying the sport to its fullest on the green, he also blogs about it on Golf Influence.
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