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Best golf destinations in Asia

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Hua Hin
Sunset beaches and royal heritage
8.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚂 Admire the historic Hua Hin Railway Station architecture
  • 🌃 Explore night market stalls for local street food
  • 🏖️ Stroll along Hua Hin Beach at sunset
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
9.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Take a desert safari and ride camels over golden dunes
  • ⛷️ Shop and ski inside the Dubai Mall and Ski Dubai
  • 🏙️ Ascend the Burj Khalifa and watch the city from above
Karuizawa
Cool highland resort at the foot of Asama
7.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 💧 Visit Shiraito Falls and admire its delicate cascades
  • 🛍️ Shop at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza’s upscale outlets
  • 🚴‍♀️ Cycle through the forested paths of the Kyu-Karuizawa area
Okinawa Island
Reef beaches and Ryukyu Kingdom heritage
8.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on white sands of Emerald and Zanpa Beaches
  • 🏯 Explore historic Shuri Castle, former Ryukyu Kingdom palace
  • 🐋 Visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks
Pattaya
Beaches, nightlife and endless entertainment
7.0
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌺 Relax at Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
  • 🌃 Experience nightlife on vibrant Walking Street
  • 🛕 Explore the intricately carved Sanctuary of Truth
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Hakone
Onsen town with Fuji views and lake cruises
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Take a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway
  • 🖼️ Explore stunning sculptures at Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • ♨️ Soak in relaxing waters of Hakone Onsen hot springs
Abu Dhabi
Modern luxury meets rich traditions
8.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Admire world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
  • 🏜️ Take a thrilling desert safari at sunset
  • 🕌 Marvel at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Visit the sacred Doi Suthep temple atop the mountain
  • 🍲 Join a traditional Thai cooking class with locals
  • ⛩️ Explore the ancient temples of the Old City
Georgia
Wine country, mountain villages and old Tbilisi
7.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏙️ Walk through the historic Old Town of Tbilisi
  • 🕳️ Explore the ancient Uplistsikhe cave city carved into rock
  • ⛪ Climb Gergeti Trinity Church overlooking Mount Kazbek
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