Zhuhai Pine Valley Sports & Country Club

From Hong Kong the ferry to Zhuhai (Jiuzhou) Port – frequent sailings from both Hong Kong/Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan and China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui – Journey Time: 1hr10mins.

Club shuttle bus from Zhuhai Port to Club takes approximately 55 mins to an hour depending on traffic.

Pretty much all you would expect from a club of this stature. The comfortable clubhouse includes a member’s lounge, a pool and clean and country lodge style rooms can be found in the club’s accommodation annexe. Pine Valley wins extra points because they can arrange hunting excursions into the surrounding woodland and the fishing on the reservoir is first class (lots of big carp apparently….apologies, I’m not an angler). You can also fire off a few rounds at the attached gun club. Not much on the massage front, but a well-stocked bar keeps most people happy. For those contemplating a trip in the company of their family, the massive Ocean Spring Holiday Resort – with hotspring, massage, rides and amusements – is only 20 mins away.

In a word: stunning. This is undoubtedly the most picturesque layout in Guangdong. The course rampages through a series of valleys and many of the holes are perched on the banks of an enormous reservoir. The viewshere are sensational. It’s not necessarily a brilliant piece of golf course architecture – there are a few funky holes – but it’s highly enjoyable and definitely recommended. Another plus point are the ducks that roam the fairways just add a lot to the course’s natural surroundings. It might sound like a cliche, but this really is the perfect place to kick back and relax; sit on the verandah and enjoy the environment, play the course and forget about your score – it can be very tricky in places. We at 007 are very keen to get back there asap – if they’ll have us!

The greens were in generally very good shape – quick, rolled true – while the fairways were in decent shape too.

Generally very good. Most boys are players themselves so they know the course better. (depends on the availability, the club arranges caddie who have at least a grasp of English to caddie for foreigners like me). Made for good company.

Pine Valley’s environment and setting is second to none, which makes it an absolute must-play. The course is highly interesting, the caddies polite, and the food is good. What more do you want from a golf course? Well, at Pine Valley you can go hunting and fishing which makes it the ideal weekend retreat.

One final feature that we particularly like is Pine Valley’s nineteenth hole, which is played to determine matches if they’re all tied after eighteen. I’m not saying how much I lost! 🙁

For those looking for a quick round, the club may be a bit far (From Hong Kong), try & spend at least a couple of days if you can.

Eagle 8/2009

Difficulty : (Blues)

Facilities    Golf Course      Maintenance     Caddie Service    Setting