If you’ve recently moved to Asia, you know it’s rich in culture, interesting food, and exciting attractions. But I’m willing to bet that you probably didn’t consider golf as something to add to your list!
The truth is, while Asia isn’t renowned for its golf, it does feature some spectacular courses… And some courses with a difference! We’ve compiled a guide to the best golf courses in Asia for your information.
We know they’re far apart (Asia is large!), but if you happen to do a bit of travel across the country, these ones are the shining stars of golf courses that we highly recommend spending a few hours at.
Gunsan Country Club, South Korea
Gunsan Country Club hosts an astounding 81 golf holes! While 18 of those holes are reserved for members, the rest of them are open for public play. But the wide array of holes isn’t even the most exciting thing about this club.
It has the distinction of being the home of the longest golf hole in the world. From the black tee, the par-7 hole stretches to 1,004 meters or 1,097 yards! Even from the shortest tee on the Jeongeup Course, you’ll be facing a hole of over 800 yards.
That’s not the only one you can look forward to, though. The facility also has a 661-meter (723-yard) par-6. They don’t seem to be on the same course (probably a good thing!), but either way, bring your A-game and expect to use clubs you haven’t needed before!
Not only that, but it’s also the biggest golfing venue in South Korea. It’s located on a salt field and the only course that features all holes surrounded by lakes. If you want a golfing experience that’s unlike any other you’ve ever had, Gunsan is a must!
Hirono Golf Club, Japan
If you find yourself in Japan, Hirono Golf Club is a must-play. Widely regarded as one of the country’s top golf courses—in fact, it’s called the Pine Valley of Japan—it’s known for its beautiful fairways and majestic trees.
The course is beautiful, but golfers shouldn’t get complacent. With 130 feet of elevation changes, it’s a challenge. Across the course, lakes, hills, and dense woodland come together to create a fantastic play.
One of the noticeable features of the course is how the natural ravines create deep hazards across the holes, adding to the drama of the routing. Deep, huge bunkers are another striking feature—some of them are even larger than the greens they’re shielding! Best to take a good sand wedge along!
One-third of the holes use water as a hazard, so you’ll be treated to a full array of exciting, tricky, and dramatic golf. The course is stunning but also has a bit of a “rough and rugged” design, making you feel like you’re never quite ahead of the game.
Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, Vietnam
You may be surprised to find this gem of a golf course hidden in Vietnam, but if you’re in the area, it’s well worth playing a round here. It’s near Ho Chi Minh City, so you won’t have to go too far to find it.
The course is known for its spectacular ocean views, as well as being a challenging play, thanks in part to the wind coming off the sea. The course is created around the sandy beach dunes, and the loam soil of the fairways provides excellent playing conditions.
One of the best things about this course is that no two holes play the same. This is a big pro because it keeps things exciting and stops it from becoming too easy. You never know what you’re going to come up against!
The par-5s especially, play a whole lot different depending on wind direction. With the breeze coming off the ocean, you can’t get complacent here!
TPC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Half a mile away from the city of Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find this award-winning golfing venue. It features two 18-hole courses—East and West—both of which are great play.
The West course has been the host of the Malaysian Open, so if you’re looking for more of a challenge, it’s the one to go for. It spans 7,000 yards, features pleasant but tricky undulations, and water hazards on 13 of the 18 holes.
As for the East course, it’s shorter than the West and a little less challenging. The greens are noticeably slower than the West course, which may be frustrating for experienced golfers but might be helpful for beginner or intermediate golfers.
A caddy comes with each golf cart, so use them wisely! They have knowledge of the ins and outs of the course, and they’ll also help to keep your pace on point.
Shanqin Bay Golf Club, China
It’s worth noting upfront that this golf club is private and you’ll need to play as a guest of a member. Located on an island, you can expect superb views over the ocean and extreme elevation changes, making it a much more challenging play than it initially looks.
Generous fairways might give you a false sense of security, but beware of the nuances of the course. The short holes in particular are superb, providing a good challenge that can be made trickier by the breeze.
The 17th hole is the signature, reaching 360 yards. But the crowning glory of the hole is the drop off a cliff, making for one of the most exciting holes on the course. It also plays right alongside the South China sea, so the views are amazing.
Conclusion
Asia is a much better golfing destination than most golfers realize! If you’ve just moved here (or even if you’re traveling for business or leisure), these golf courses are well worth a visit. Once you’ve played the longest golf hole in the world, everything else seems easier by comparison!
Wherever you happen to be in Asia, there’s bound to be an amazing golf course nearby. Enjoy the sights and sounds that are exclusively in Asia, but don’t underestimate the power of a few hours on the golf course for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.