Traditionally Japan has been the center of Asia’s golfing industry, but that is slowly changing. As places like China and India become more developed and the middle class expands, the pool of golfers is grows rapidly. This region is sure to be the largest growth in the sport in the years to come. For now, you’ll have to stick to the best known, but give it a few years and your options are sure to increase.
- Pine Valley, China The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus II Links Course at Pine Valley are said to be the future of golf in Asia. Apart from the Beijing Open, numerous other events are held here throughout the year.
- Nine Bridges, South Korea Ron Fream designed this course in 2001 at a price tag of $100 million, now it’s one of one of the Asia’s greats. Host of the world championships.
- Nirwana Bali Golf Club, Indonesia Considered the best course in Indonesia, the Greg Norman designed course covers dramatic seas cliffs and traditional Balinese scenery.
- Fuchun, China The most exclusive golf and spa resort in mainland China was inspired by a 700-year-old painting. The course here, just 80 minutes from Shanghai by train, is surrounded by rice terraces.
- Mission Hills Golf Club, China The largest course in the world covering more than 80,000 square miles near Hong Kong is one of the most famous in the country and holds numerous championships.
- Ria Bintan Golf Club, Indonesia The 27-hole championship golf course was designed by Gary Player, and divided between an18-hole Ocean Course and a 9-hole Forest Course.
- Mines Resort and Golf Club, Malaysia The Robert Trent Jones designed course is set on what was once the largest open cast tin mines in the world, which has now become filled to become a huge water hazard.
- Phoenix Golf Club, Japan The 27-hole Phoenix Golf Club is among the best of Japan’s more than 2,000 courses. The pine grove lined course is home of Japan PGA’s Dunlop Phoenix Tournament.
- Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Thailand This 18-hole, Par 71 course was designed by Max Wexler and David Abell and is surrounded by many of the finest resorts in Thailand.
- Jade Palace Golf Club, Korea Greg Norman designed Chun Chon’s Jade Palace, set amidst misty forested mountains and wetlands.