The Best 10 Golf Courses In China

Golf has a relatively short history in China, with the first golf course opening in the late 1980s. However, the sport has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, especially among the country's growing middle and upper classes.

The golf ecosystem in China is primarily composed of golf courses, golfers, and golf events. As of 2021, there were over 600 golf courses in China, with most of them located in coastal areas and major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. However, golf course development has slowed down in recent years due to government regulations aimed at conserving land and protecting the environment.

There are also many golfers in China, both amateur and professional. The country has produced several notable professional golfers, including Shanshan Feng, who won the bronze medal in women's golf at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and Haotong Li, who has had success on the PGA Tour.

In terms of golf events, China has hosted several high-profile tournaments in recent years, including the WGC-HSBC Champions and the BMW PGA Championship.

Shanqin Bay Golf Club - Hainan, China

Shanqin Bay Golf Club is a premier golf course located in Hainan, China. The course is situated on the eastern coast of the island, surrounded by stunning views of the South China Sea. It is designed by golf course architect Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, who used the natural contours of the land to create a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience.

The club has received numerous awards and accolades since its opening in 2011, including being ranked #55 in Golf Digest's “World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses” in 2021. It has also hosted several international tournaments, such as the PGA Tour China Series and the Asia Pacific Golf Summit.

Mission Hills Golf Club - Shenzhen, China

Mission Hills Golf Club is a world-renowned golf resort located in Shenzhen, China. Founded in 1992 by Dr. David Chu, it is the largest golf resort in the world, covering an area of over 20 square kilometers. The club features twelve 18-hole championship golf courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf, including Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Vijay Singh.

Mission Hills Golf Club has received numerous awards and accolades since its establishment, including being named the “World's Largest Golf Facility” by the Guinness World Records in 2004. It has also hosted several international tournaments, including the World Cup of Golf, the Asian Amateur Championship, and the LPGA Tour's Mission Hills World Ladies Championship.

The club has been recognized for its efforts in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices, earning it the “Gold Award for Environmental Excellence” from the Hong Kong Green Council in 2018.

Spring City GolfLake Resort - Yunnan Province, China

Spring City GolfLake Resort is a luxurious golf resort located in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. The resort is situated amidst the picturesque mountains and lakes of the region, offering stunning views and a tranquil setting for golfers and non-golfers alike.

The resort features two championship 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr., respectively. Both courses have been recognized for their quality and design, with the Nicklaus Course ranked as the #1 golf course in China by Golf Digest China in 2018.

Spring City offers a range of other activities and amenities, including luxury accommodations, spa services, fine dining, and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and cycling. The resort has won numerous awards for its excellence, including the “Best Golf Resort in Asia” award by Golf Digest in 2015 and the “China's Best Golf Resort” award by World Golf Awards in 2017.

Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club - Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong

Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club is a prestigious golf club located in Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong. The club boasts a stunning seaside location, with views of the South China Sea and Clearwater Bay.

The golf course was designed by Tim Lobb and features 18 holes of championship golf. It has been recognized as one of the top courses in Asia, winning the “Best Golf Course in China” award by Golf Digest in 2016 and 2018.

Clearwater Bay offers a range of amenities for its members and guests, including a state-of-the-art clubhouse, fine dining, swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness facilities. The club has been recognized for its efforts in sustainability and environmental conservation, earning the “Green Certificate” from the Hong Kong Golf Association in 2019.

Lakeview Golf Club - Kunming, Yunnan Province, China

Lakeview Golf Club is a premier golf destination located in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, featuring a beautiful course designed by professional golfer Nick Faldo. The club is situated on the banks of Yangzonghai Lake and surrounded by stunning natural scenery, making it a popular destination for golfers and tourists alike.

The golf course features 36 holes of championship golf and has been recognized for its quality and design, winning the “Best Golf Course in China” award by Golf Digest China in 2013 and 2014.

The club has been recognized for its efforts in sustainability and environmental conservation, earning the “Environmental Leadership in Golf Award” from the Asian Golf Industry Federation in 2016.

Jinji Lake Golf Club - Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China

Jinji Lake Golf Club is a prestigious golf club located in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, featuring a championship golf course designed by Gary Player. The club is situated near Jinji Lake, offering a beautiful setting for golfers and visitors alike.

The golf course has been recognized for its exceptional design and quality, winning the “Best Golf Course in China” award by Golf Digest China in both 2011 and 2013.

The club has also demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability, earning the “Green Golf Course” certification from the China Golf Association in 2016.

Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club - Beijing, China

Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club is a prestigious golf club located in Beijing, China. The club features two championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, respectively, and offers a range of amenities for its members and guests, including a clubhouse, restaurants, and event spaces.

Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club has been recognized as one of the best golf courses in China and Asia, winning numerous awards, including the “Best Golf Course in China” award by Golf Digest China from 2012 to 2019 and the “Best Golf Course in Asia” award by the World Golf Awards in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

Shanghai Sun Island International Club - Shanghai, China

Shanghai Sun Island International Club features two 18-hole championship golf courses and a 9-hole par-3 course designed by the renowned golf course architecture firm Nelson, WrightHaworth.

The club is a private golf club located on Chongming Island, which is situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River in Shanghai, China. The courses are known for their challenging layouts, and the club offers a range of amenities for golfers, including a driving range, practice facility, and clubhouse with dining options.

Shanghai Sun Island International Club has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named the best golf course in China by Golf Digest in 2013 and 2014. The club has also been recognized as one of the top 100 golf courses in the world by Golf Digest and has hosted high-profile golf tournaments such as the BMW Asian Open and the HSBC Champions.

The club prides itself on offering a world-class golfing experience in a beautiful and unique setting, making it a popular destination for golfers from around the world.

Dongguan Hillview Golf Club - Guangdong, China

Dongguan Hillview Golf Club is a private golf club located in Dongguan, a city in the Guangdong Province of China. The club features a championship 18-hole golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Jim Engh, as well as a driving range and practice facilities.

The golf course at Dongguan Hillview Golf Club is known for its scenic beauty and challenging design. It features dramatic elevation changes, deep bunkers, and water hazards that provide a test for golfers of all skill levels.

The club has hosted several notable golf tournaments, including the 2011 Volvo China Open, which was won by Nicolas Colsaerts. The club has also received recognition for its commitment to environmental sustainability, with the golf course being awarded the “Green Flag Award” by the Golf Environment Organization.

Lanhai International Country Club - Shanghai, China

Lanhai International Country Club is a private golf club located in the Songjiang District of Shanghai, China. The club features two 18-hole championship golf courses, both designed by world-renowned golf course architect Jack Nicklaus.

The golf courses at Lanhai International Country Club are known for their immaculate conditioning and challenging design. The courses are set amidst rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and towering trees, providing a serene and picturesque setting for golfers to enjoy.

Lanhai International Country Club has hosted several notable golf tournaments, including the BMW Asian Open in 2006 and the HSBC Champions tournament in 2007. The club has also received recognition for its world-class facilities, with Golf Digest China ranking it as one of the top ten golf courses in China.