China Golf Tour: Teeing Off In Style

China, the world’s most populous country is best known for its industrious people, its art and architecture and of course its delicious cuisine. Boasting of one of the most ancient civilizations in the world, China is a big player in the world economy today. So it comes as no surprise that this Asian behemoth is today considered one of the biggest markets for golf. Although golf is not very affordable right now it has golf holiday makers unfazed. The reasons range from its fabulous courses designed by top architects to the quality of courses.

Even though golf in china has had a chequered past with trouble from the ruling communist party, the country boasts of several well maintained courses to offer to golf vacation enthusiasts. Tourism in the past was centered on some of China’s greatest offerings like the Great Wall but now with over 1000 courses China has become a preferred golf holiday destination too. Getting to China is easy as the mainland is very well connected to other continents and countries. Once there a golf tour can be planned around courses in three major golf centers: Beijing, Shanghai and Guangodng.

Beijing lies in Northern China where the golf season starts in early April when the courses are able to reclaim the greens from the clutches of cold weather. The city boasts of more than 20 world class links style courses where fees range from $100 to $40. The Huatang International Golf Club is one of the best courses in the region and must be included in your golf package for its easy layout which features a lot of trees and well maintained greens. The club offers three courses all at par 72 and ranging from 6018 yards to 6890 yards. Just about a 40 minute drive from the city, Huatang is a must play course. 

Another fantastic course to play on your golf vacation is the Beijing golf club located about half an hour from the Beijing International Airport. The club features an 18-hole championship course designed by Poellot and Benz. The layout runs to 7046 yards and plays for a par of 72. This one is an absolute must play on your golf holiday for the imposing views of the Great Wall from the opening hole.

Point your golf travel to Shanghai which is famous for its silk as well as the first stock exchange in the world. The predominant terrain in the area is flat lands, which is great for links style courses and Shanghai offers several of those. Your golf travel would benefit from the inclusion of courses like the Shanghai Tianma Golf & Country Club, located 30 minutes from the Hongqiao Airport in the Sheshan National Tourism Park. Sheshan is Shanghai’s only and reigning mountain peak and forms the backdrop of this beautiful course.

Other courses to include in your golf tour in Shanghai are the Grand Shanghai International Golf Club near the majestic Dianshan Lake; the Ron Garl designed Nine Dragons Golf Course just outside the city and the Bobby Martin designed Silport Golf & Country Club.

Guangodng is the strongest golfing center of China and golf travel to the region would be exhausting with over 60 different links style courses. Make the day for your golf vacation with a round at the Mission Hills Golf Club, the world’s largest golf destination boasting of 180 holes that cost you but a meager $54 to $36! Other must play courses to include in your golf package here are The Shek O Golf & Country Club and the Long Island Golf & Country Club in Dongguan.