Beijing Pine Valley – with an impressive background of the Yan mountains, the par 44th is a good driving hole
China is now home to thousands of golf courses, as the sport has taken off in a big way. Some of the clubs play host to major world tournaments and there are now excellent courses all over the country. Here we’ve compiled a list of the best courses that can be accessed from the main tourist spots. Take a day out of your busy touring schedule to enjoy a round of golf in any of these top 5 clubs.
Beijing Pine Valley (Golden Bear)
If you are in Beijing for sightseeing, then don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a day at Reignwood Pine Valley, a 2 square mile multifunction resort designed by Jack Nicklaus featuring four golf courses totaling 54-holes.
It is the first by-invitation-only golf club in China and is located near the Great Wall at Badaling close to the Yan Mountains. It became of international interest in 2015 when it hosted the 14th edition of the Johnnie Walker Classic, won by the Australian Adam Scott.
Sheshan has several natural features built into its course
Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai
Located in Shanghai, this is another golf course you should not miss if you want to escape the city and enjoy its scenery of 1000 year-old Gingko trees, waterways, and a natural quarry. The 18-hole (7266 yards/ par 72) course was designed by Nelson & Haworth.
Sheshan has hosted PGA Tour players such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, and last year among its accomplishments it won the “Top Club in China” award by Golf Magazine.
In order to be a challenging course – tree-lined fairways, water hazards and bunkers are strategically placed; therefore good technique is needed to get a good par. All along the course there is a mix of easy and difficult holes to test your ability.
Fuchun Resort golf club, set amongst terraces of tea plantations near Hangzhou
Hangzhou Fuchun Resort Golf
Near Hangzhou, the Fuchun Resort’s golf course is waiting for you. It is an 8-hole, 72-par golf course designed by Daniel J. Obermeyer and located in the middle of a tea plantation. The golf course is designed to challenge golfers no matter your skill level. It also offers training facilities and coaching.
Set amongst the impressive natural scenery of the Stone Forest near Kunming
Stoneforest International Country Club
Located near Kunming, in the province of Yunnan in southwest China, you will discover this unique country club with three courses set in the Stone Forest, a UNESCO world heritage site.
The three 18-hole international golf courses were designed by Brian Curley. Leaders' Peak (7,528 yards) is the newest course and the most impressive of the three. The unique rock formations of the Stone Forest are found all over this course. Yufeng Ridge (7,241 yards) has the best views of all three courses. Meanwhile Masters' Resort (7,203 yards) was created to be the tournament course so is one of the best for playing.
This country club also has a wine cellar, a driving range and a restaurant offering fine Asian and Western cuisine. You can stop off here en route to Lijiang.
The second highest golf club in the world sits beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain near Lijiang
Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Golf Club
Located in a valley facing the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain you will discover the highest golf club in Asia and the second highest in the world. It sits at an elevation of 10,800 ft. (3,290m) above sea level – this means balls fly 15%-20% further than at sea level! The golf club is 8548 yards long, which is the longest par 72 golf course in the world. If you are planning a trip to Lijiang then don’t miss the opportunity to experience golf at its highest point!
For more information on incorporating a round of golf into your China luxury holiday then please contact us or one of our preferred travel agents.
