Hong Kong Golf Guide: Top 5 Golf Courses, Insider Tips & Travel Advice

Hong Kong may be compact, but it offers world-class golfing experiences with stunning landscapes, historic clubs, and modern resort courses. From the century-old Fanling Golf Club (粉岭高尔夫球会) with its tree-lined fairways and mansion views, to the public Kau Sai Chau Golf Course (滘西洲公众高尔夫球场) with cliffside ocean vistas, golfers of all levels can find something unique. Other top courses include Clear Water Bay Golf & Country Club (清水湾高尔夫乡村俱乐部), Discovery Bay Golf Club (愉景湾高尔夫球会) with sunset and Disneyland views, and Shek O Country Club (石澳高尔夫乡村俱乐部) near the scenic Dragon’s Back trail.

Whether seeking exclusive member-only clubs, public island courses, or resort-style golfing with panoramic views, Hong Kong offers a mix of challenge, leisure, and breathtaking scenery—all within easy reach of the city.

1. Hong Kong Golf Club – Fanling (香港高尔夫球会粉岭球场)

Overview

Established: 1889

Courses: Old Course, New Course, Eden Course

Holes: 18 per course

Par: Old Course 71, New Course 70, Eden Course 70

Highlights

Historic Venue: One of Asia’s oldest golf clubs, with over a century of golfing tradition

Scenic Spots: Eden Course features ancient tree-lined fairways and the 7th hole green overlooking luxury mansions

Membership Access: Non-members generally enter via customized luxury golf tours or invitations from members

Exclusive Facilities: English-style afternoon tea is highly recommended (book in advance)

Tips for Visiting

Cost: Membership transfers can reach HKD 17 million

Dining: Afternoon tea includes scones with clotted cream, excellent value compared to hotels

Best Time: Weekdays are cheaper; weekends are significantly more expensive

2. Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course (香港赛马会滘西洲公众高尔夫球场)

Overview

Courses: North Course (links-style), South Course (coastal & inland hybrid)

Access: Requires ferry from Sai Kung Pier (~15 minutes; every 20 minutes, after 8 PM every 30 minutes)

Highlights

North Course: Challenging links-style course; walking mandatory

South Course: Scenic coastal cliffs; golf carts allowed

Photo Opportunities: Hole 6 offers unobstructed ocean views

Tips for Visiting

Cost: Approx. HKD 600 per person

Gear: Anti-slip shoes recommended for walking North Course

Booking: Reserve tee times online in advance

Recommended Balls: High-trajectory balls are advisable due to strong coastal winds

3. Clear Water Bay Golf & Country Club (清水湾高尔夫乡村俱乐部)

Overview

Holes: 18

Location: Hilltop of Clear Water Bay Peninsula (西贡半岛)

Membership: Private course; members’ guest required for non-members

Highlights

Exclusive Setting: Stunning coastal and hilltop views with a winding course layout

Practice Facilities: Includes driving range and putting greens for training

Access for Non-Members: Appointment through luxury travel agencies or low success rate via website

4. Discovery Bay Golf Club (愉景湾高尔夫球会)

Overview

Holes: 27 (Diamond Course is the most challenging)

Location: Southwest Hong Kong, near Disneyland (迪士尼乐园)

Highlights

Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by hills, with sea and sunset views; evening play offers a chance to see Disneyland fireworks

Resort Integration: Direct hotel access; ideal for golfing holidays

Difficulty: Diamond Course provides a challenging experience for advanced players

Tips for Visiting

Golf Cart Rental: Recommended due to steep slopes

Access: Must play with a member or through a guest program

5. Shek O Country Club (石澳高尔夫乡村俱乐部)

Overview

Established: 1921

Holes: 18 (non-standard; par 65)

Style: Classic English clubhouse with historic charm

Access: Member accompaniment required; practice areas partially open to non-members

Highlights

Unique Design: Shorter par, mixed downhill and cliffside holes, challenging layout

Proximity to Hiking: Near Dragon’s Back (龙脊) trail, combining golf with outdoor adventure

General Tips for Golfing in Hong Kong

Equipment

Courses often feature hilly terrain; use high-trajectory balls, especially at coastal courses like Kau Sai Chau

Booking & Access

Public Courses: Book online in advance (Kau Sai Chau)

Private Courses: Requires assistance from luxury travel agencies or member invitations

Best Season

October–March: Cooler, dry weather; avoid summer monsoon season

Practical Information for Each Course

Insider Travel Tips & Avoiding Pitfalls

Kau Sai Chau Ferry & Cart Rules

First-time visitors: Domestic licenses cannot operate golf carts; must arrange local player or member companion

Weekend Prices at Fanling

Non-members: Weekend green fees can exceed HKD 2,300 per person; weekdays are cheaper

Private Clubs

Entry Barriers: Clear Water Bay and Shek O require member sponsorship; waiting periods over 2 years and high entry fees (~HKD 5 million)

Recommended Courses for Experience

Kau Sai Chau Public Course: Best value (~HKD 600), 180° ocean views, photo-friendly holes

Fanling Golf Club: Eden Course’s historic charm and luxury mansion views; afternoon tea recommended

Discovery Bay Golf Club: Diamond Course with panoramic sunset and Disneyland fireworks; integrated resort stay

Sample 3-Day Golf & Leisure Itinerary

Day 1 – Classic Coastal Line

8:00: Depart Sai Kung Pier (西贡码头) → Kau Sai Chau East Course

12:30: Lunch at club restaurant

15:00: Challenge North Course (walking; wear anti-slip shoes)

Overnight: WM Hotel near Sai Kung seafood street

Day 2 – Luxury Club Experience

8:00: Fanling Eden Course → 7th hole mansion view

13:00: Short-game practice at Clear Water Bay

15:00: Afternoon tea & club museum visit

Evening: Star Ferry ride on Victoria Harbour (维多利亚港)

Day 3 – Resort & Leisure

All day: Discovery Bay, Diamond Course + infinity pool

Evening: Watch Disneyland fireworks directly from the golf course

Practical Travel & Dining Tips

Transportation

• Kau Sai Chau: Ferry from Sai Kung Pier (20 min per trip)

• Fanling: 5 min taxi from Sheung Shui Station (East Rail Line)

• Discovery Bay: 25 min fast ferry from Central Pier No.3

Food Highlights

• Kau Sai Chau “Seaview Café”: Iced lemon tea & pineapple buns

• Fanling “The Verandah”: Terrace dining with classic English charm

• Discovery Bay “Zaks”: Giant burgers for sharing

Other Notes

• Handicap card required for all courses (can be arranged through apps like “Baigao”)

• Bring sunblock and hydration for early morning rounds in summer