In 2017, the tourism industry in China grew by about 13% and is expected to continue growing over the next few years. This increase is largely due to the country’s open policies to help showcase its culture and natural beauty. With more foreigners visiting, and many times staying in China, new influences in food, dress, and sports have been adopted. Noticeably, golf has become more popular, with more courses popping up and the sport being more affordable and accessible.
Historically, golf has been labeled as a “sport for the rich” in China, but as time has passed the game has changed continuously and has secured itself a spot in modern Chinese culture. These days China even has some of the best golf courses in the world—
Here are four awesome gold courses worth checking out while traveling through China.
Shanqin Bay
Hainan Island is home to what could easily be the best golf course in China. Shanqin Bay is close to the remote village of Bo´ao, in a stunning coastal site where a golf course would seem impossible to build. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw were the brave architects who designed the golf course and managed to build a challenging route offering views of the cliffs, dunes and dense vegetation. The stunning golf course had some of its shine taken away in 2017 when authorities decided to create a windbreak by planting thousands of saplings along the 17th fairway. Luckily, the course continues to be one of the most challenging and beautiful in the country.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club
Whether you´re a golf enthusiast or a pro player, Southwest China’s Yunnan Province is home to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club and is a definite must-see. Designed by Neil Haworth, the course is located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, sitting ten thousand feet above sea level, and has 18 holes, as well as holding the world record with par 72 stretching 8,548 yards in length. The nearby picturesque villages, breathtaking views, landscapes, and the top-class design of this golf course make it a unique experience in the sport of golf, especially with a moderately pleasant weather all year round.
27 Club
Formerly known as the Tianjin Yangliuqing Golf Club, 27 Club is a fabulous 27-hole course in the Xiqing District, Tianjin. After being restructured from 36 to 27 holes, the course changed its name to honor the 27 former champions who contributed to the design of each of the 27 holes. The course is a great challenge for golfers of all skill levels, with features that include several human-made lakes, creeks, and elevation changes that add up the competitive element. Dominated by a tree-lined open parkland layout, 27 Club is great for delving into a good game and enjoying the abundant greenery.
Lake Course at Spring City
Spring City Golf & Lake Resort in the town of Spring City, Yunnan, 40 minutes away from Kunming City, was designed by Trent Jones Junior in an effort to create a course that would complement its location and offer top-level play. The natural terrain adds to the dramatic effect of the course, surrounded by lavish nature. Developed by the Keppel Group of Singapore, the Spring City Golf & Lake Resort sits at 6900 feet above sea level and none of the holes here can be described as easy. The incredible design, along with the magnificent views, and the temperate weather make Lake Course at Spring City one of the best golf adventures in China.
By Diego Garzon
Diego is a writer by day and a reader by night. He is also the author of the first Screenwriting Manual in Spanish. He has been a creative consultant for television series and films. He lives with “the wife”, ”the dog”, and “the other dog”.
