Best golf destinations in Asia
Best golf destinations in Asia
Modern tournament fairways and manicured highland courses across Asia
Several Southeast Asian countries have emerged as fast-growing golf destinations over the past two decades, building championship courses specifically for international visitors, while parts of East Asia maintain a far older, more formal golf culture rooted in decades of domestic tradition.
The destinations on this list range from newer resort courses designed by major international architects to more traditional clubs, where etiquette and ritual matter as much as the round itself. Costs and formality vary enormously across the region.
Booking through a golf-specific tour operator tends to simplify logistics considerably in much of the region, where transport and green fees can otherwise require significant separate planning. English-speaking caddies are increasingly common at newer resorts. Checking course-specific dress codes in advance also matters, since requirements can vary noticeably between clubs in the region.
Lists by region
City in Thailand
Hua Hin
Sunset beaches and royal heritage
Royal Hua Hin Golf Course is older than Thailand's 1932 constitution. Railway engineers helped lay out the course for a royal seaside retreat. The state railway ran it until 1985. The original clubhouse still stands between the 10th tee and 18th green. Hua Hin is about 125 miles south of Bangkok.
Town in Japan
Hakone
Onsen town with Fuji views and lake cruises
Cold clear mornings from late autumn to early spring give the clearest views of Mount Fuji. Hakone-en Golf Course lies on the shore of Lake Ashi and most holes face the mountain. Hot spring baths called onsen are nearby for after the round. The Hakone Ropeway crosses the steaming volcanic valley of Owakudani.
Town in Japan
Karuizawa
Cool highland resort at the foot of Asama
The Karuizawa 72 Golf complex has six courses and 108 holes in a highland resort town. Mount Asama, an active volcano, rises beyond the bentgrass fairways. The NEC Karuizawa 72 Golf Tournament has been held there since 1992. Summers are cooler than in Tokyo, so many visitors escape the heat here in August.
City in United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
Modern luxury meets rich traditions
The Abu Dhabi Golf Club clubhouse is shaped like a giant falcon. A professional tour event has been played at the club since 2006. Yas Links on Yas Island is a seaside links course that opened in 2010. Kyle Phillips designed it with open fairways that catch the sea breeze.
City in United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
Green fairways glow against pale desert sand and the glass towers of the skyline. Dubai Creek Golf Club has a clubhouse shaped like the sails of a traditional dhow boat. Emirates Golf Club has hosted the Dubai Desert Classic since 1989. The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates hosts the DP World Tour Championship.
Island in Japan
Okinawa Island
Reef beaches and Ryukyu Kingdom heritage
The Ryukyu Kingdom ruled these islands until 1879. Golf courses here stay open all year with winter highs near 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Ocean views and palm trees line many holes. The Daikin Orchid Ladies at Ryukyu Golf Club opens the Japanese women's tour season in March.
State/Prefecture in Japan
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
Clubhouses serve a local grilled lamb dish called Genghis Khan along with cold Sapporo Beer. Ramen and Tokachi beef are on many menus too. The golf season runs from May to October. Summers in Sapporo are about 8 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in Tokyo. The island has about 150 courses.
City in Thailand
Pattaya
Beaches, nightlife and endless entertainment
Sea breezes and the smell of cut grass drift across fairways in the hills behind the coast. The Old Course at Siam Country Club has hosted the Honda LPGA Thailand 13 times. Pattaya is about 90 miles southeast of Bangkok. More courses lie within a short drive of the beach resorts.
Country
Georgia
Wine country, mountain villages and old Tbilisi
At the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, Tbilisi Hills has 18 holes with views of the capital and the mountains. The course opened in 2018 in Kvemo Teleti. The drive from the Old Town takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Afterwards the Old Town has sulphur baths and old churches to explore.
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
Sentosa Island lies just off the south coast of this city state. Its golf club has two courses called Serapong and Tanjong. The Serapong Course has hosted the Singapore Open. The whole country is only about 30 miles wide, so most courses are a short ride from downtown.
City in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
Golf at the 1998 Asian Games was played at Alpine Golf Resort in a valley. Chiang Mai Highlands has 27 holes and a Mountain Nine with long views. The cool dry season runs from November to February. Many top courses are 45 to 60 minutes from town.
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