mainland coursesAs the sport continues to grow in popularity, the good news is that unlike in more mature markets, most mainland clubs allow some access to non-members
The mainland boasts about 400 golf clubs. It is possible that no one knows how many there are exactly, as there was a course construction frenzy after the 1984 opening of the Chung Shan Hot Spring Golf Club near Zhuhai, which was the first club in modern China. From championship layouts to links-style courses, of both the Scottish and Irish varieties no less, to its own version of Pebble Beach, China has some of the best layouts around. Unlike private clubs in more mature markets, the good news is that most mainland clubs have some public access. Here are 10 of the best that you can play.
Carnoustie's sister
Tiger Beach Golf Links
Haiyang, Shandong
This sister club of Scotland's famed Carnoustie is a rare treat in Asia where an 18-hole links-style course has been faithfully recreated as a tribute to the best seaside courses of Britain and Ireland. Waist-high fescue grasses, deep riveted pot bunkers and small shrubberies substituting for gorse can all be found here, as the ever-present wind blowing off the sea provides ample practice for bump-and-run play. The club, which has hosted a China Tour event, is 90 minutes north of Qingdao and is offering a stay-and-play package of two rounds and one night's accommodation for 1,500 yuan (HK$1,695). The price for a single round is 800 yuan.
0535 3311808
