Golf in China
Including Blue Bay Golf Course, Discovery Bay Golf Club, and Macau Golf and Country Club. On the map.
The vibe
Golfing here feels like a luxury escape, with sprawling, meticulously manicured courses often set against dramatic, sweeping backdrops. The temperate spring and autumn months provide the most comfortable climate for a full round. It is a very visitor-friendly experience, with high-end clubhouses and caddie services that cater to those looking for a premium, pampered day on the greens.
Blue Bay Golf Course, Hainan
Hainan
Zhangmoon618 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A stunning oceanfront championship course situated along the pristine coastline of CLEARWATER Bay in Lingshui. The layout combines sweeping seaside views, challenging pot bunkers, and strategic coastal winds that demand precision shot-making.
Access. Fly into Sanya Phoenix International Airport and take a scenic 50-minute coastal drive to the resort area. Tee times and stay packages are available through the on-site luxury hotel.
Notes. Wind off the South China Sea heavily influences play; standard resort dress codes apply.
Discovery Bay Golf Club, Lantau Island
Hong Kong
Lookchard / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Perched on the hills of Lantau Island, this 27-hole facility offers dramatic views over the South China Sea and the Hong Kong skyline. The course is known for its challenging elevation changes and scenic, undulating terrain.
Access. Accessible via ferry from Central to Discovery Bay, followed by the club's shuttle bus. Visitors are welcome on weekdays with prior booking.
Notes. Wind can be a significant factor due to the elevated coastal location. Golf carts are mandatory.
Macau Golf and Country Club, Coloane
Macau
rheins / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Perched dramatically on the southern tip of Coloane Island, this championship course offers sweeping views of the South China Sea. Known for its challenging layout, coastal breezes, and undulating terrain, it has historically hosted prestigious professional tournaments.
Access. Accessible via taxi from mainland Macao or the Cotai Strip in about 20-30 minutes. Visitors can book tee times directly through the clubhouse, though advance reservations and adherence to proper golf attire are strictly required.
Notes. Playable year-round, though autumn and winter offer the most comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Coastal winds frequently influence club selection.
Mission Hills Haikou, Hainan
Hainan
GPS8 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A massive volcanic golf resort destination boasting multiple championship courses carved directly into ancient black lava rock formations. Golfers experience dramatic contrasts between lush fairways and rugged volcanic hazards across a tropical island setting.
Access. Easily accessible via Haikou Meilan International Airport, with the resort providing dedicated shuttle services and on-site stay-and-play packages for visiting guests.
Notes. Tropical climate makes year-round play possible, though summers can be very hot and humid.
Mission Hills, Shenzhen
Guangdong
wanghongliu / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A legendary sprawling golf sanctuary featuring multiple legendary championship courses designed by golf legends from around the world. The resort blends lush parkland and rolling valley layouts, creating an immense destination for dedicated golf travelers.
Access. Accessible via Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport or Hong Kong with cross-border transport options. The resort operates extensive stay-and-play facilities and private transfers.
Notes. Subtropical climate; best enjoyed during the cooler dry months from October to April.
Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai
Shanghai
Szalai.laci / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Set amidst the rolling hills and dense woodlands of Sheshan, this championship parkland course is renowned for hosting prestigious international professional tournaments. The layout features dramatic elevation changes, water hazards, and immaculate bentgrass greens that test even the finest players.
Access. Located in the Songjiang District, reachable by taxi or private transfer from central Shanghai in about 45 minutes. Playing access typically requires member accompaniment or booking through partnered luxury hotels.
Notes. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant playing weather; strict traditional golf dress codes apply.
Spring City Golf and Lake Resort, Kunming
Yunnan Province
瑞丽江的河水 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Perched above the scenic shores of Yangzonghai Lake, this renowned resort features an iconic championship layout designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course is celebrated for its dramatic lake views, undulating terrain, and crisp spring-like mountain air.
Access. Reached via Kunming Changshui International Airport, followed by an approximately one-hour scenic drive to the resort. Tee times can be secured directly through the resort or authorized golf tour operators.
Notes. Kunming's 'City of Eternal Spring' climate provides ideal year-round temperatures for golf.
The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, Sai Kung
Hong Kong
Baycrest / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
This spectacular course is carved into the cliffs of the Clearwater Bay peninsula, offering breathtaking ocean vistas on nearly every hole. It is widely considered one of the most scenic golf settings in Asia, blending challenging layout with dramatic coastal topography.
Access. Located in Sai Kung; best reached by taxi from central Hong Kong or via the MTR to Hang Hau station. Visitor play is subject to club availability and booking requirements.
Notes. The course is exposed to coastal winds; accurate iron play is essential. Dress code is strictly enforced.