Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau - North Course in Hong Kong

The Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course (滘西洲公众高尔夫球场) is the only public golf facility in Hong Kong, and one of the most unique golfing destinations in Asia. Managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (香港赛马会), it opened in 1995 with the mission of making golf accessible to the public. Since then, it has grown into a world-class golf complex featuring three 18-hole championship courses — the North Course, South Course, and East Course.

Set on the pristine Kau Sai Chau Island (滘西洲) in Sai Kung (西贡), the courses offer spectacular views of the South China Sea (南中国海), dramatic coastal cliffs, and lush green landscapes. The island’s natural terrain creates an authentic golfing experience, with challenging fairways that blend seamlessly into the environment.

Location & Accessibility

Region: Sai Kung District (西贡区), Hong Kong

Driving Distance:

• ~1 hour from Hong Kong International Airport (香港国际机场)

• ~43 minutes from West Kowloon Station (西九龙站)

• ~1 hour 5 minutes from Central Hong Kong

Ferry Service:

• From Sai Kung Pier (西贡码头) to Kau Sai Chau’s private pier

• 15-minute journey, ferries every 20 minutes (every 30 minutes after 8:00 PM)

• Ferry ride is included in green fees

This combination of a short ferry trip and island seclusion makes playing here feel like a mini-getaway from the city.

The North Course at Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course (香港滘西洲公众高尔夫球场) is one of Hong Kong’s most scenic and challenging public golf courses. Located on Kau Sai Chau Island (滘西洲) in Sai Kung District, the North Course is managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and forms part of a unique golfing complex featuring three 18-hole courses. The course is renowned for its links-style design, strategic challenge, and stunning coastal views, offering an exceptional golfing experience for both local and international players.

Course Overview

Designer: Gary Player

Opened: 1995

Length: 6,719 yards

Par: 72

Course Type: Classic links-style

Playing Style: Full walking course, emphasizes accuracy and strategic play

Terrain: Rolling fairways, coastal hazards, natural vegetation

Difficulty: Moderate to high, suitable for experienced golfers seeking a challenge

The North Course is ideal for golfers who enjoy precision over power, as its fairways are narrow and hazards are strategically placed. The walking-only format encourages physical activity and offers a more immersive golfing experience.

Location & Access

Island: Kau Sai Chau Island (滘西洲), Sai Kung District, Hong Kong

Travel Time:

• From Hong Kong International Airport: ~1 hour by car

• From West Kowloon Station: ~43 minutes by car

• From Sai Kung Pier: 15-minute ferry ride (ferries run every 20 minutes; after 8 PM, every 30 minutes)

Notes:

• Access is via ferry only; all players must take the official ferry to the island.

• Full-day pass includes ferry service (~HKD 360).

Course Design & Layout

Links-Style: Inspired by classic Scottish links courses, emphasizing rolling fairways, coastal winds, and strategic shot-making

Key Features:

• Coastal holes with panoramic sea views

• Narrow fairways requiring accuracy from tee to green

• Well-placed bunkers and water hazards for strategic challenge

• Undulating greens to test putting skills

Walking Only: Full-course walking promotes health and a deeper connection with the course’s natural beauty

Hole-by-Hole Highlights

Hole 1: Opens with a straight par-4; requires accurate drive to avoid bunkers

Hole 3: Dogleg right with coastal views; green well-guarded by sand traps

Hole 7: Long par-5 along the coast; precision required to set up birdie opportunity

Hole 12: Short par-3; deceptive slope on green demands careful putting

Hole 15: Signature hole; offers panoramic sea views and strategic hazards requiring well-placed shots

Hole 18: Finishes with an uphill par-4, providing dramatic views and a challenging conclusion

Facilities & Services

Driving Range: 60 floodlit bays for long-game practice

Short Game Practice: Chipping, pitching, and putting areas for skill development

Golf Shop: Fully stocked with top-brand clubs, apparel, and accessories

Dining & Refreshments: On-site restaurants and cafes offering snacks, lunch, and beverages

Event Hosting: Corporate outings, tournaments, and private events can be accommodated

Language Support: Staff fluent in Cantonese and English

Equipment Rental:

• Clubs: HKD 480 (adults) / HKD 240 (under 21)

• Shoes: HKD 65

Payment Options: WeChat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay

Playing Tips

Booking: Tee times must be reserved at least one week in advance via the official website or phone (+852 2791 3380)

Caddies: Experienced caddies available for guidance and strategy

Walking: Wear comfortable shoes for the full-course walking experience

Weather: Coastal winds can affect play; check the local forecast

Pace of Play: Plan for approximately 4–5 hours per round due to walking-only format

Signature Features

Strategic Challenge: The North Course rewards accuracy and penalizes errant shots with strategically placed bunkers and hazards

Scenic Beauty: Rolling fairways, forested hills, and panoramic sea views create a visually stunning experience

Fitness Element: Walking the full course provides a natural and enjoyable way to stay active

Classic Links Experience: Offers international players a taste of traditional links-style golf without leaving Hong Kong

Why Play the North Course

The North Course at Kau Sai Chau is perfect for golfers who want a challenging, scenic, and authentic links-style golfing experience. Its combination of strategic design, natural beauty, and island tranquility makes it a top destination for both serious golfers and visiting international players.

Playing Experience

Golfers here often say that Kau Sai Chau feels like playing on a Scottish links course transplanted into Asia — rugged, coastal, and dramatic.

North Course: A test of precision and stamina; strong winds can turn even short holes into challenges.

South Course: Relaxed, scenic, and playable; the best choice for newer golfers or those wanting to enjoy the sea breeze without too much pressure.

Twilight Rounds: Watching the sun dip into the South China Sea while finishing your game is a signature Kau Sai Chau memory.

Extra Experiences Around Kau Sai Chau

Sai Kung Town (西贡市区): Known as the “back garden of Hong Kong,” famous for seafood restaurants, hiking trails, and a laid-back waterfront atmosphere.

Hiking & Nature: Kau Sai Chau is surrounded by Sai Kung East Country Park (西贡东郊野公园), offering stunning hiking trails, beaches, and viewpoints.

Wildlife Spotting: Players sometimes see migratory birds, herons, or even wild boars roaming near the fairways.

Quick Facts

Total Holes: 54 (3 courses, 18 holes each)

Slope Rating: 101.4

Course Rating: 141

Total Yardage: 12,625 yards

Designer: Gary Player (加里·普莱尔)

Established: 1995

Style: Links-inspired, coastal, and inland hybrid

Why Play at Kau Sai Chau?

Accessibility: The only public course in Hong Kong, open to all golfers with a handicap.

Scenic Value: Island setting with panoramic sea and mountain views.

Flexibility: Championship play on the North Course, casual fun on the South Course, or twilight rounds.

Eco-Friendly: Strict environmental policies protect the island — including restrictions on fuel-powered vehicles.

Bucket-List Golf: One of the few public golf courses in the world located entirely on an offshore island.