Description
Hong Kong Golf Club (Fanling)
Founded in 1889, Hong Kong Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Asia and one of the most prestigious in the world. Located in Fanling in the northern New Territories, the club features three 18-hole championship courses—the Old, New, and Eden—and has hosted the historic Hong Kong Open for decades. Combining colonial heritage, lush scenery, and competitive pedigree, Fanling is more than a golf course; it’s a living chapter of the sport’s legacy in Asia.
Situated just minutes from the border with Shenzhen, the club remains one of the few private golf institutions in Hong Kong to maintain a classic walkable design. Its tree-lined fairways, fast greens, and subtle elevation changes offer strategic golf in a setting rich with character. Whether you’re a local member, regional tournament player, or international visitor with access, playing Fanling is a badge of honor.
Course Layout & Design
Each of Fanling’s three courses—Old, New, and Eden—brings a distinct character. The Old Course, most frequently used for the Hong Kong Open, is a par-70 masterpiece that winds through towering trees and narrow corridors. The New and Eden courses expand the club's championship-caliber offerings with wider fairways, stronger yardage, and more modern bunkering.
Combined, the 54-hole facility stretches over 19,530 meters (21,361 yards), with strategic layouts that require accuracy, patience, and smart decision-making. Rolling fairways, traditional push-up greens, and bunkers that guard against poor shot placement make Fanling a true shotmaker’s venue.
Signature holes include:
- Old Course Hole 10 – A mid-length par-4 known for its elevated tee shot and natural tree tunnel leading to a narrow green.
- New Course Hole 6 – A dogleg-left par-5 with water along the right side and a well-guarded green.
- Eden Course Hole 18 – A stunning closing hole flanked by tall pines and colonial-style clubhouse views.
World-Class Facilities & Amenities
The club blends timeless elegance with modern functionality in its member-focused infrastructure.
- Historic colonial-style clubhouse with full dining and event facilities
- Members’ lounge, locker rooms, and pro shop
- Practice greens, driving range, and coaching programs
- Private rooms and hospitality suites during tournaments
- Walking-friendly layout with caddies and golf carts available
Host to Prestigious Golf Events
Since 1959, Fanling has served as the venue for the Hong Kong Open, co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours. It has welcomed legends like Rory McIlroy, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, and Ian Poulter. The club also hosts amateur championships, corporate invitationals, and interclub events year-round.
Scenic Beauty Meets Tradition
The tranquil tree canopy, native foliage, and careful preservation of historic landmarks make Fanling a rare escape in a bustling metropolis. Even as development encroaches nearby, the club remains a bastion of serenity and golf tradition, committed to environmental conservation and responsible land stewardship.
Why Choose Hong Kong Golf Club?
- Asia’s oldest and most historic golf club (est. 1889)
- Host of the iconic Hong Kong Open since 1959
- Classic layouts with walking-friendly fairways and strategic design
- Elite member services, elegant clubhouse, and private access
- Play where golf legends have walked and won
Explore More About Golf in China
To learn more about golf culture, tips, and travel in China visit:
- China Golf Association – The official governing body of golf in China.
China National Tourism – Discover golf-friendly destinations across the country.
GolfSG
May 19, 2025 at 7:54 amStepping onto the fairways of Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling is like entering a living museum of Asian golf. From the moment you pass through its gates, you feel the weight of history—the timeless charm of the colonial clubhouse, the towering pines lining each hole, and the unmistakable energy of tournaments past. It’s one of those rare places where the game is preserved in its purest form.
The course doesn’t shout with modern flair; it speaks in subtle challenge. Narrow landing zones, fast greens, and the demand for thoughtful course management make it a thinking golfer’s dream. The Old Course, in particular, is a test of patience and shot placement. Yet, it’s not just the challenge that draws players—it’s the tradition. Few clubs offer the prestige of having hosted decades of professional events while maintaining such serenity between tournaments.
Fanling is not just a round of golf—it’s a pilgrimage. Whether you’re walking the same fairways as European Tour champions or simply enjoying a quiet weekday round, the experience is unforgettable. It’s a crown jewel in Asia’s golfing heritage and a must-play for anyone serious about the game.