This next piece has been a passion project of mine as of late – for a couple of main reasons. Firstly, since my fiancé joined the region’s largest sports marketing firm and all he has been talking about, watching and reading about is golf, golf and more golf.
The Golf Channel is on the box 24/7 as our household is transformed into a place of passion – truly dedicated to this wonderful sport. That said, I must admit that watching a world class tournament live on a breathtaking course has the makings of a great day out, so I can only imagine what playing on one would be like.
So over the last 3 months I’ve been talking to my golfing buddies (around the region) to get their take on the best courses to play on in Asia, and more importantly – why!
Narrowing it down to only 10 was a tough task as Asia boasts some of the best courses in the world as we see the game of golf grow in popularity in countries near and far.
So without further delay, sit back and check out the Living 360° hand curated Top 10 list of some of Asia’s finest piece of grass – coming directly from the mouths of experts who play golf all the time!
No. 10
Blue Canyon Country Club, Phuket
If you asked Tiger Woods what his most memorable course that he has ever played on was, he would say this one!
Built along canyon edges, Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket, Thailand has two courses with distinct greens and fairways. Both are surrounded by freshwater lakes and feature natural hazards and slick Bermuda Tiffdwarf greens. The most exciting hole on the Canyon Course is undoubtedly the 17th, described by Fred Couples as “one of the best par threes in the world.”
The general consensus is that both these courses have a fantastic layout but a quick little spruce-up is necessary to bring out the shine again.
Living 360° suggests you stay here:
No. 9
Montgomerie Links, Danang City, Vietnam
Vietnam’s Montgomerie Links is a world-class, semi-private club, and perhaps the ritziest course you’ll find around Danang City. Located a stone’s throw from the country’s Central Coast and a few minutes from Da Nang International Airport, Montgomerie Links is situated alongside the East Sea and striking Marble Mountains.
Friends here all agreed that the friendly nature of the Vietnamese shined through in the knowledgeable caddies and management. “Everybody was super nice and made sure players were well accommodated and not rushed” – commented one friend. The stylish design and layout of the course also makes it one of Asia’s most desirable courses.
Living 360° suggests you stay here:
No. 8
Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
This world famous golf course has been the home for the acclaimed Barclays Singapore Open for the last 7 years and currently home to 2 of the most scenic and toughest rounds of golf in the region. When I think of the Serapong course, I think of the fun times attending the Barclays – sipping on champagne and watching golf greats like Angel Cabrera, Adam Scott, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh engineer their way around the demanding holes and spectacular vistas.
Living 360° suggests you stay here:
No. 7
Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club, Hong Kong
My buddies in HK tell me that the prestigious Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club feels a bit like California’s Pebble Beach with its coastline views and dramatic setting. The 18-hole design is made up of two nine-hole courses—the Ocean and the Highland—both with stunning views of Clearwater Bay.
I hear they also can help you throw one hell of a wedding!
Living 360° suggests you stay here:
No. 6
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
The European Tour travels here for the annual Maybank Malaysian Open, this year won by Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand. The club boasts 2 amazing courses which are a short and easy drive for the Kuala Lumpur. Once there, golfers say they love the nature which surrounds the property and not to mention the impeccable condition of the fairways.
I’ve been told the Roti Pratha (local Malaysian dish) at the clubhouse is a must after smashing 18 holes!
Living 360° suggests you stay here:
No. 5
Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club, Malacca, Malaysia
Malacca has always been a favorite recreational destination for Singaporeans so it’s no surprise that their Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club makes our list coming in at No. 5. This 27-hole international championship golf course offers exhilarating beauty and a combination of tight fairways and indigenous plants. Sculpted from approximately 360 acres of pristine land, golfers can tee-off alongside towering trees and play across shimmering natural lakes.
The caddies here are very well trained (3 month training program) to handle the technicalities of the course so beginners are also very welcome!
Living 360° suggests you stay here:
No. 4
Kawana Resort, Ito, Japan
It was very difficult not to include this course into our Top 3 after the praise it received from those who have been lucky enough to play it. The Pebble Beach comparison came up again as those we asked tried their best to draw a reference.
This property and its two golf courses are built along red cliffs facing the Pacific Ocean, with the legendary Fuji Mountain as the backdrop. It is a nice weekend getaway, just a two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo.
Tip: Kawana was the honeymoon destination for Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio so if you are thinking of tying the knot – this is definitely the place!
Living 360° suggests you stay here:
No. 3
Gunung Raya Golf Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia
Keeping it in “Malaysia Truly Asia” – this very popular course makes our Top 3. The Gunung Raya Golf Resort is popular because wives and kids that don’t like playing golf can wander around Langkawi while the enthusiasts hit the greens.
Sprawled over 300 acres of a former rubber plantation, this course boasts an intriguing golf course designed by Max Wexler. You’ll encounter beautiful rolling greens, panoramic tees and impeccable fairways magnificently contoured with sand traps and water hazards.
Tip: If you have time, get out on some canoes to paddle through the mangroves and have lunch at the floating markets!
Living 360° suggests you stay here:
No. 2
Mission Hills Golf Club, Shenzhen, China
Friends of Living 360° whom travel to China for business (and those that live there) are spoilt with choices when it comes to top-notch courses – fact! So when they were grilled for their favorite, it was no surprises that Mission Hills Golf Club was the clear winner.
The “World’s No.1 Golf Club” offers a wide range of first-rate facilities for golfers and non-golfers alike. In addition to the Tennis Academy at Mission Hills Country Club (Asia’s largest tennis centre with 51 courts), it also houses three golf academies by acclaimed international instructors, a five-star hotel, three best-in-class spa facilities, exclusive residential developments and much more.
I’m told that the full body wraps and 6-hand massage at the spa is 100% worth the effort!
Living 360° suggests you stay here:
No. 1
Nirwana Bali Golf Club, Bali, Indonesia
OK – so the number 1 choice here is totally subjective and was selected simply because everyone I had spoken to over the months absolutely love playing at Nirwana. This visual masterpiece of dramatic ocean views and lush Balinese landscapes was designed by Greg Norman and offers a spectacular challenge and a unique world-class experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Tip: Bring a camera when you play here. This course is one of the most photographed in the world.
Living 360° suggests you stay here:
So in conclusion, I really hope you have enjoyed my ‘passion project’ and that you will someday get a chance to play on these splendid courses that I have compiled. As for me, the golf lessons are coming along and I too hope to get my chance to play a few holes in this Top 10 selection.
By all means, share your thoughts and if you would like to highlight your favourite course and perhaps we can showcase in our follow up piece in the future.
Until then, enjoy the fun in the sun!
Amanda
xo
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