Golf isn’t really my thing, but many travellers do travel for golf. Don’t get me wrong, I would visit historic golf courses and those that are big tourist attractions. If there was a golf tournament on where I travel to, I may even go to that. But my golfing experience is solely in Crazy Golf, so in this guest post Jordan tells us about the most iconic golf courses in Asia.
I love golfing in Asia. This is due to the wide variety of high-quality golf courses that incorporate the local terrain to create a unique golfing experience every time. Not only are the green fees extremely affordable in Asia but the surrounding area makes it ideal for backpacking along the way.
What golf courses in Asia offer that golf on most other continents do not, is the views and breathtaking landscapes. Jungles, mountains, oceans and seas are all used as the backdrops. Consequently this creates some of the most stunning golf courses on the planet.
Here’s a breakdown of my recent experiences at three of my favourite courses to play when I’m travelling through Asia.
Golf Course
Els Club Teluk Datai – Langkawi, Malaysia
One of my favourite courses in Asia is the Teluk Datai golf course. This course is housed at the Els Club Resort on the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. The upper scale club and resort offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea. Plus the layout of the Teluk Datai course has been cut from the surrounding rainforest area. As a result, the rich and dense terrain creates a backdrop that makes Teluk Datai one of the greenest and most immaculate courses I’ve ever played.
What keeps me coming back to the Els Club Teluk Datai is the fact that it offers excellent beachside golf. Since most of the best golf courses in Asia is found within cities, this course on Langkawi Island will drop the jaws of all travelling golfers.
Golf Digest recently put the Els Club Teluk Datai on their famous top-100 Best Golf Courses in the World list, and the accolade is well warranted. Four-time major winner Ernie Els designed the course, and the golfer has beautifully integrated the surrounding environment into the layout.
The course plays at 7,284 yards from the tips and offers a challenging design that will test golfers of all skill levels. Come for the stunning views, but stay for the outrageously good golf at Els Club Teluk Datai.
Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau – North Course – Hong Kong
Another island course that you must seek out is in Hong Kong; the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau North Course. Located on the island of Kau Sai Chau, the Jockey Club has the only public courses in Hong Kong. The North course is worth putting on your travel plan. Be forewarned, however, that the North course is a walking-only course and has a hill-driven layout.
But the extra physical need should not dissuade you from playing. Here you will find a very entertaining golf course located in an absolutely stunning area of Asia. Walking the course will give you views of Hong Kong’s New Territories that have been designated as a country park which means that you don’t see any development on the land. From the higher areas of the course, you’ll also be treated to a view of the Kowloon Hills and the mountains on Hong Kong Island.
As incredible as the scenery is at the North Course, travellers come from around the globe to play the Gary Player-designed layout. What makes the Jockey Club a haven for travelling golfers is that the government of Hong Kong committed to building first-rate facilities to promote golf to the citizens of the region.
The North Course is a true test of your golfing skill. Although it has had me frustrated at times, I can assure you, I always leave looking forward to the time where I will get to play the North again. Between the elevation changes and the scenic views, the 6,796-yard course is one of the best-golfing experiences in Asia. It is well worth seeking out on your next adventure.
Fuji Golf Course – Japan
No list of the best golf courses in Asia is complete without a trip to Japan. A course that I absolutely adore is the Fuji Golf Course in Yamanakako, Japan. With a remarkable view of Mt. Fuji, the Fuji Golf Course plays at 6,792 yards from the back tees giving the elite golfer a test that will entertain and challenge their skills.
I love the layout at the Fuji Golf Course because you always have to think two shots ahead. The greens at the course will take some getting used to, as they play extremely fast.
Most of the holes at the course are lined with Japanese Red Pine. These trees work as a gorgeous barrier to the fairways. But the main reason I come to the Fuji Golf Course is for the four-hour view of the snow-capped Mount Fuji. Measuring over 12,000 feet, Mount Fuji is a dormant volcano that hasn’t erupted in over 300 years.
You can ride a cart at the Fuji Golf Course. However, I prefer to walk the grounds with comfortable shoes. I feel walking offers a rare opportunity to see a natural environment not typically seen in Asia.
And be advised; no trip to the Fuji Golf Course is complete without a dip in their natural hot spring. While I’m playing at the club, my thoughts are always on the post-round dip into the spring. It is relaxing and soothing and will forever put a wonderful cap on the day at the Fuji Golf Course.
