Written By: Damini Agrawal

 

 

When you're thinking about where to play golf, Asia might not be the first place that comes to mind. But it's actually a great choice because it provides everything a golfer could ask for like caddies and golf carts, which you might not find elsewhere. From the exciting city views in Singapore to the peaceful scenes in Vietnam, the beautiful golf courses in Thailand to the historic ones in Japan, Asia has it all. These courses are carefully crafted to offer both challenging and rewarding experiences, and they offer top-notch facilities.

 

 

Let's explore the top 10 Asian golf courses that every golf enthusiast must include in their 2024 Bucket List: 

 

1. Sentosa Golf Club – Serapong Course, Singapore:

 

At Sentosa Golf Club, the Serapong Course stands as one of the two remarkable golfing gems. Originally crafted by Ronald Fream in 1982, this course recently underwent an impressive revamp, further enhancing its splendor. It offers a truly picturesque setting, boasting a magnificent view of the Singaporean skyline and overlooking the iconic Changi Airport.

 

 

Sentosa Golf Club – Serapong Course, Singapore

 

 

Spanning an impressive 6,675 meters with a par of 72, this championship course has been the esteemed host of the Singaporean Open from 2005 to 2019, welcoming the best golfers from around the world. Its excellence has not gone unnoticed, as it earned the title of the ‘Number 1 Championship Golf Course in Asia’ by Asian Golf Monthly in 2007 and was recognized as the ‘Best Golf Course in Singapore’ by Golf Digest in 2009. In 2023, it was voted Asia’s best golf course by the World Golf Awards.

 

2. Ba Na Hills Golf Club - Da Nang City, Vietnam:

 

Ba Na Hills Golf Club, designed by Luke Donald and managed by IMG, stands as a world-class facility nestled at the foothills of the renowned Ba Na Hills on Vietnam’s central coast, conveniently situated just 25 minutes away from downtown Da Nang. Consistently recognized for its excellence, the club has been honored with the prestigious title of ‘Vietnam’s Best Golf Course’ for six consecutive years and also secured the fifth spot for ‘Asia’s Best Golf Course’ in 2021.

 

 

Ba Na Hills Golf Club - Da Nang City, Vietnam

 

 

Encompassed by breathtaking mountain ranges, this stunning property provides a picturesque setting for golf enthusiasts. The championship golf course boasts 18 holes and a par 72, striking a perfect balance of challenge, enjoyment, and excitement for players of all levels and abilities. Catering to diverse skill sets, the course offers five sets of tees, ensuring a pleasurable round of golf for golfers of all standards. From the Professional tees, spanning an impressive 7,857 yards, to the friendlier white tees at 6,022 yards, each hole offers a unique and engaging experience with an exciting mix of playing lengths.

 

3. Ayodhya Links Golf Club -  Ayutthaya, Thailand:

 

Ayodhya Links stands as one of the most exclusive and prestigious golf courses in Asia. Established in 2007 by Thailand’s elite and wealthiest individuals, membership in this distinguished club is strictly by invitation, ensuring only the highest echelons of Thai society grace its clubhouse.

 

 

Ayodhya Links Golf Club -  Ayutthaya, Thailand

 

 

At the heart of Ayodhya Links lies a breathtaking 70-acre lake, lending a captivating allure to the overall ambiance of the club. Spanning a formidable 7,639 yards from the championship tees, the course is a true test of skill, with only one par 4 measuring less than 400 yards from the backmarkers. With 79 strategically placed bunkers and undulating greens demanding precision and finesse, Ayodhya Links challenges golfers of all levels.

 

The course’s stature was further elevated when it hosted the prestigious “Amazing Kingdom of Thailand: World Club Championship 2016,” solidifying its position as Asia’s grandest golfing grounds.

 

4. Hirono Golf Club - Miki, Hyogo, Japan:

 

The Hirono Golf Club, often referred to as the “Pine Valley of Japan,” is an exclusive and private golf course located near the port city of Kobe. Originally designed in 1932 by Charles H. Alison, the course faced adversity during World War 2 when it served as a runway, resulting in significant damage. However, through the efforts of Toyohiko Inui and Osama Ueda, who restored it using Alison’s original plans, and later brought back to life by Martin Ebert, the course regained its former glory.

 

 

Hirono Golf Club - Miki, Hyogo, Japan

 

 

Measuring 6,925 yards from the back tees, the course may not be excessively long, yet it presents a supreme test of golfing skills. This serves as a testament that thoughtful design can create challenges even without resorting to a 7,500-yard monster course. Regarded as one of the best golf courses in Asia, the Hirono Golf Club has hosted major Japanese championships and notably the prestigious Japan Open.

 

 

5. Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club - Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong:

 

Among the several excellent golf clubs in Hong Kong, The Clearwater Bay Club stands out as the most captivating. Often referred to as “Hong Kong’s Pebble Beach,” this golf course boasts an unparalleled seaside location, gracefully nestled on a fishhook-shaped peninsula extending into Clearwater Bay. The panoramic views alone make it a worthwhile destination.

 

 

Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club - Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong

 

 

Situated along the picturesque coast, many of the highest-ranked golf courses in Asia find their place here, and for good reason. Recognizing its stunning setting, Asian Golf Monthly crowned The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club as the best course in Hong Kong, while Golf Digest featured two of its holes – the 3rd and 14th on its prestigious list of the 38 best holes in all of China.

 

 

With a membership comprising over 3,000 international players from around the globe, the club enjoys a diverse and vibrant golfing community. Moreover, despite its establishment in 1982, the course recently underwent a comprehensive renovation, leaving it in better shape than ever before.

 

 

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6. South Cape Owners Club - Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea:

 

Debuting in 2013, the South Cape Owners Club is a relatively new addition. Situated on Namhae Island, just off the southeast coast of South Korea, this stunning course was designed by Kyle Phillips. Perched on a dramatic clifftop property, it treats golfers to breathtaking panoramic ocean views throughout all eighteen holes. Despite its modest length of 6,685 yards, this par 72 18-hole golf course poses a significant challenge with its cliffs and numerous obstacles, making it an exciting test for any golfer.

 

 

South Cape Owners Club - Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea

 

 

Notable highlights of the course include the awe-inspiring 135-meter par 3 on the 14th hole and the challenging 204-meter 16th hole. Both boast picturesque waterside greens framed by towering cliffs, creating a memorable experience for players. South Cape Owners Club takes its place among Asia’s most remarkable golf courses, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and golfing challenges.

 

 

7. The Els Club Teluk Datai - kedah, Malaysia:

 

Nestled within an expansive 8,000-acre (3,200-hectare) nature preserve, The Els Club Teluk Datai earned the prestigious title of Malaysia’s most scenic course from the World Golf Awards immediately upon its opening. The course meanders through ancient rainforests and leads down to the very edge of the mesmerizing Andaman Sea. Notably, the course’s signature hole is a par-3 that spans a rocky ocean inlet, leaving a lasting impression on all who play it.

 

 

The Els Club Teluk Datai - kedah, Malaysia

 

 

Lush with tropical flora and frequented by playful monkeys, the course is expertly managed by Troon Golf, a globally recognized leader in luxury golf services and course maintenance. For added convenience and comfort, carts are included in the green fees, and caddies are available as an optional amenity.

 

8. The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip - Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu, Vietnam:

 

In 2014, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip made its debut, proudly bearing the signature design of Greg Norman, marking his second golf venture in Vietnam. Located 80 miles southeast of Ho Chi Minh City in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip captivates with its coastal plateau setting, where towering seaside dunes embrace the scenic fairways, all crafted on sandy loam soil. The course was voted the best golf course in Vietnam 2023 by the World Golf Awards.

 

 

The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip - Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu, Vietnam

 

 

Stretching 7,007 yards and boasting a par of 71, this course presents an exhilarating challenge, with the coastal winds adding an intriguing element to its difficulty. Playing here is a truly remarkable experience, sure to leave a lasting impression. Notably, The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip proudly stands as Vietnam’s first integrated casino and golf resort, offering a comprehensive package of delights for visitors. Among its offerings are a luxurious 5-star hotel, a selection of ten restaurants, and a variety of entertainment outlets, making it an all-encompassing haven for golfers and leisure seekers alike.

 

 

9. TPC Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club - Mont Kiara, Malaysia:

 

Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, TPC Kuala Lumpur, formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, stands tall as one of the best golf courses in Asia. Boasting the distinction of being among the best golf courses in Asia, this exceptional facility is just a short 20-minute drive west of the bustling Kuala Lumpur city center. Offering a delightful array of 36 holes, golfers can choose between the East and West courses, each promising a unique and memorable experience. If you have the opportunity to play here, the Championship West course is an absolute must-try.

TPC Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club - Mont Kiara, Malaysia

 

 

Completed in 2008, the West course sets the standard for immaculate playing conditions, paying exquisite attention to detail. In 2010, it proudly hosted the thrilling Malaysian Open for the first time, and its success continued for the following five years until 2015.

 

10. Hoiana Shores Golf Club - Danang, Vietnam:

Nestled along the picturesque shoreline of Hoi An in central Vietnam, Hoiana Shores Golf Club offers a golfing experience like no other. This exceptional golf course proudly stands as the first masterpiece in Vietnam by Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects (RTJ II), boasting mesmerizing vistas of the Eastern Sea and Cham Islands. Widely regarded as one of the finest golf resorts in Asia, Hoiana Shores is a true gem for golf enthusiasts.

 

 

Hoiana Shores Golf Club - Danang, Vietnam

 

 

Stretching across 7,004 yards with a par of 71, the 18-hole golf course showcases TifEagle Bermuda greens and Zeon Zoysia fairways and tees, adding to its allure. The pinnacle of your round at Hoiana Shores awaits on the back nine, where holes 15, 16, and 17 boast greens close to the shoreline, offering a breathtaking encounter with the sea’s gentle breeze. The 16th hole stands out as a masterpiece, guiding your journey along the coast, and delivering unforgettable moments.

 

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Exploring the top 10 golf courses in Asia reveals a tapestry of beauty, challenge, and prestige. From Singapore's skyline vistas to Vietnam's coastal splendor, each course offers a unique blend of natural wonders and exceptional golfing experiences. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, these destinations beckon with their allure and promise memories to cherish for a lifetime.

 

 

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