You know what they say: Not all golf courses are created equal – or eagle, rather. So, we’ve rounded up the best golf courses in Hong Kong for you to try out your game. Take it away, caddy!
We all like to get away from the city once in a while. But rather than going on yet another short trip, heading to a hidden beach, or splurging on a helicopter ride, how about swinging by some golf courses on the outskirts of town? Whether you’re taking up golf as a new hobby, or working on getting your strokes under par, these tee-rific golf courses in Hong Kong will have you covered.
Where to play golf: Best golf courses in Hong Kong
1. The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course
Established in 1995, The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course is one of the few public golf courses in Hong Kong, making it a super busy golf hub with over three million golfers having played at its premises. Located on the Sai Kung Peninsula, the Golf Course is split into three sections: the East Course, North Course, and South Course. With a combination of hilly and coastal terrains, each course has 18 holes, with the East and North courses both spanning over 6,600 yards. With its accessibility and affordability, The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course is one of the best golf courses in Hong Kong.
The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, Kau Sai Chau, Hong Kong, p. 2791 3388
2. Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC)
Originally known as The Royal Hong Kong Golf Club (and now simply Hong Kong Golf Club), this golf course was founded in 1889 by a group of golf enthusiasts. In Fanling, where the HKGC started out, there are three 18-hole courses: the Old Course, New Course, and Eden Course. All three courses span over 6,000 yards and offer caddies, coaching, and night range facilities. In addition, HKGC has a location in Deepwater Bay. Its 9-hole par 56 course also features practice and coaching facilities, as well as personalised services from caddies. Like The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, HKGC is open to the public, with almost half of its rounds played by non-members.
Hong Kong Golf Club has premises in Fan Ling and Deepwater Bay.
3. Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy (HKGTA)
A members-only clubhouse with fitness, wellness, dining, and accommodation facilities, Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy has it all – though we hear it comes at a pretty hefty price tag! Partnering with the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America, the Academy is ideal for golfers who’d like to train more seriously, or even competitively. Not only does the HKGTA have a short-game course, but it also offers several climate-controlled coaching studios, along with cutting-edge technology. These include the Toptracer for ball-tracing, Sam Puttlab professional putt training system, flightscope for real-time feedback, and more.
Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy, 81 Tai Chung Hau Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, p. 3187 8900
4. Shek O Golf & Country Club
And here comes the most exclusive golf clubs on the list. While Shek O Golf & Country Club is like many other clubhouses in that it serves members and their guests, it’s hard to even get a foot in the door, as memberships are strictly by referral and are usually only offered among elite groups of doctors and lawyers. Course-wise, the Club doesn’t have any signature holes, but its 18-hole course offers views of both the ocean and the mountains. Aside from the scenic vista, Shek O Golf & Country Club is known for its laid back atmosphere and friendly services. So if you’re lucky enough to get an invite, definitely give this club a visit, as it features one of the best golf courses in Hong Kong.
Shek O Golf & Country Club, 15 Shek O Road, Shek O, Hong Kong, p. 2809 4458
5. Discovery Bay Golf Club (DBGC)
If you’re a Discovery Bay resident, you’d certainly be familiar with the Discovery Bay Golf Club. Opened in 1983, the club overlooks the Sunset Peak, South China Sea, and the Victoria Harbour. It features three golf courses: the Diamond, Jade, and Ruby. They are surrounded by mountainous terrain, with the Diamond generally considered to be the most challenging course, due to its dramatic dips and undulating surfaces. Moreover, the DBGC offers a short game area for its members, as well as practice facilities. These include a putting green, chipping green, and a driving range with 24 bays.
Discovery Bay Golf Club, Valley Road, Discovery Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2987 7273
6. Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club
Home to one of the ‘500 World’s Greatest Golf Holes’, the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club has a 18-hole, par 70 championship course divided into two zones: the Highland Nine and the Ocean Nine, with hole number three being the most sought after golf hole. For more junior players, the Clearwater Bay Academy’s six-hole, par 18 course would be ideal for honing your golf skills, with a putting green, chipping, and bunker. Furthermore, the golf workshop at the Club provides fitting, adjustment, and repair services for golf clubs, as well as a range of grips and shafts for its players.
Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, 139 Tai Au Mun Road, Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong, p, 2335 3700
[This article was originally published in September 2021 and updated in 2023 by Min Ji Park.]