Golf, a sport associated with the rich and famous, has always been affiliated with luxury. It is known to be the most expensive sport to pick up, but despite it costing a bomb, its popularity has certainly grown over the years, with more and more golf courses and resorts buying built all over the world. While the lavish sport may have originated in Europe, it has certainly has taken off in this part of the globe too. There are hundreds of breathtakingly beautiful golf courses all over Asia, welcoming elites and high-end individuals. In this issue, Top 10 of Asia shares a brief take on its list of the top 10 luxury golf courses in Asia where discerning vacationers may very well choose to head off to during their next vacation.
Named one of the top golf courses in Asia and designed by Australian golf legend Greg Norman, Nirwana Bali Golf Club in Indonesia overlooks the renowned Tanah Lot temple and it’s simply a breathtaking sight during sunset.It is set along the coast line amongst the traditional Balinese rice paddies and gardens which exude a touch of tranquility and serenity.
Blue Canyon Country Club
Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket, Thailand, a prestigious golf club consisting of two magnificent courses, spans over 700 acres of succulent valley, winding through rubber plantations and tin mines. It is known for hosting the Johnnie Walker Classics Tournament in the past and offers a visually stunning view of the natural landscapes while golfers can putt while enjoying the beautiful sights.
Santiburi Samui Country Club
Another luxury golf course from Thailand is in the East Coast, Koh Samui. Koh Samui is known for its relaxed atmosphere and Santiburi Samui Country Club fits in perfectly by offering a fun-filled golf experience, blending in with coconut plantations and the surrounding nature. It can also prove to be quite a challenge for golfers, being forced to drive the ball past valleys, coconut trees, streams and waterfalls.
Moving on to the other side of the Asian region, Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club in Hong Kong is perfect for golfers who love to play on the beach. Overlooking the beautiful sea view of Hong Kong, it is the perfect spot to escape the densely populated hustle and bustle city life and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Dalat Palace Golf Club
Dalat Palace Golf Club, Vietnam’s top golf course has attracted many international golfing enthusiasts since it underwent a multi-million dollar redevelopment in the 90s. Located in central Vietnam, the course offers a cool climate with its mountainous settings and spectacular views of Xuan Huong Lake and French-inspired architecture. While Japan and golf are not usually used in the same sentence, Kawana Hotel Golf Course has a long history and tradition and it is among the best golf courses in the world.
Kawana Hotel & Golf, Japan
Overlooking Mount Fuji and never failing to blow golfers away with its exquisite view, it is one of the oldest golf courses in the Land of the Rising Sun and has played host to many prestigious tournaments in the past.
Others in the Top 10’s list also include Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club which is set against the backdrop of the Singapore Harbor and the city’s modern architecture – where players play on an island, and China’s Mission Hills Shenzhen which consists of seven courses by top architects and was the first in China to be accredited by the US PGA Tour to hold major international professional competitions, welcoming golfing greats like Tiger Woods.
On the list too are The Els Club Teluk Datai in Langkawi – one of Malaysia’s finest and most scenic courses, running through its rainforest to the edge of the Andaman Sea, and the Sunrise Golf & Country Club in Taiwan – designed by world-famous golf course designer, Robert Trent Jones Jr, with the calming scenery of hundreds of flowers and trees.