Top 20 Golf Courses in Asia: A Regional Guide

Written By Golfing Hong Kong

Asia’s golf courses mirror the continent’s contrasts—where ancient traditions meet modern innovation. From tropical Southeast Asia to Vietnam’s rugged coasts, Sri Lanka’s tea plantations, and Japan’s Mount Fuji vistas, the region offers stunning and challenging golf experiences.

This guide features Asia’s top 20 courses, spotlighting must-play destinations in Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and more. Each course combines natural beauty with world-class design, delivering unforgettable rounds for all skill levels. Practical tips are included to help you plan your golf journey across Asia’s diverse landscape.

Regions included in this article; Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, India & Sri Lanka.

Vietnam

Hoiana Shores

Set against a spectacular coastline and unspoiled natural terrain, Hoiana Shores brings the design genius of Robert Trent Jones Jr. to Vietnam – for the very first time. Offering majestic views of the Eastern Sea and Cham Islands, Hoiana Shores Golf Club offers a thrilling links golf experience for golfers of all levels.

A must-play course for any golf enthusiast visiting the region, it has been voted for the second time into the Top 100 Golf Courses globally. The club also offers a great-value Stay & Play package with 5-star resort accommodation.

Bluffs Grand Ho Tram

Set against the wild coastal dunes and cerulean waters of southern Vietnam, The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram unveils the bold imagination of golf legend Greg Norman—a name etched in history as the “Great White Shark.” A former world No. 1 for an astonishing 331 weeks and a dual Open Championship victor, Norman’s mastery shines through every sweeping fairway and oceanfront green, blending his aggressive, visionary style with the raw beauty of the landscape.

Carved into the natural dunescape, this championship links course delivers a rare fusion of strategy and spectacle, where towering sand hills frame thrilling tee shots and uninterrupted sea breezes greet players at every turn. A must-play destination for golf aficionados, The Bluffs challenges and captivates in equal measure, offering a globally celebrated experience that marries world-class design with the untamed allure of Vietnam’s coastline—a testament to its status as one of the world’s most distinctive golfing jewels.

Thanh Lanh Valley Golf and Resort

Nestled in Vietnam’s Tam Dao mountains at 1,000m elevation, Thanh Lanh is a 73-hectare, 18-hole course designed by Sir Nick Faldo. Opened in 2021 as part of an eco-tourism project, its crisp alpine air (18–25°C) and rolling terrain blend lakes, valleys, and bunkers shaped like mountain ridges—offering a unique “links-style” experience inland.

Signature holes like the par-3 14th and par-5 18th frame temples, lakes, and sweeping vistas, while wide fairways and strategic challenges cater to all skill levels. Operated by a seasoned team, this highland gem merges Faldo’s genius with Vietnam’s natural beauty, redefining golf tourism with a touch of European elegance.

Singapore

Sentosa (Serapong)

The Serapong, a world-renowned championship course at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, is celebrated for its unique blend of challenging design and stunning views. It features dramatic bunkering, undulating greens, and strategic water hazards. Its lush fairways and iconic backdrops, including Singapore's skyline and harbour, provide a picturesque setting for players. Host to prestigious tournaments such as LIV Golf Singapore and Singapore Open for nearly two decades, The Serapong is consistently ranked among Asia's best golf courses, offering an unforgettable experience for professionals and enthusiasts alike, perfectly blending luxury with competitive play.rways, water hazards, and lush vegetation. Nestled against the city skyline, it has hosted prestigious tournaments like the Singapore Open. Known for its impeccable conditioning, this championship course tests every aspect of your game.

Laguna National Golf Resort Club (Classic Course)

Opened in 1993, the Laguna National Golf Resort Club’s Classic Course is renowned for its challenging layout and pristine conditions. Designed by Andy Dye, this 18-hole, par 72 championship course features dramatic bunkering, undulating fairways, and large, fast greens, offering a rigorous test for golfers of all skill levels.

Host to prestigious events like the Singapore Open and the European Tour’s Johnnie Walker Classic, the Classic Course has earned its reputation as one of Asia’s finest. Nestled amidst lush greenery, it combines world-class golf with a commitment to sustainability, making it a must-play destination for enthusiasts seeking both challenge and beauty.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Golf Club, Eden Course (Fanling)

Carved into the lush hills of Fanling, the Eden Course stands as a storied pillar of Hong Kong’s golf legacy. Opened in 1970, this 6,106-yard championship layout plays a starring role in the iconic Hong Kong Open—the city’s oldest professional sporting event and Asia’s second-oldest golf title—via its inclusion in the Composite Course alongside the New Course.

Part of Hong Kong Golf Club’s trio of 18-hole courses (Old, New, and Eden), Eden balances tradition with challenge. Its holes, framed by rolling terrain and strategic bunkers, gives it a reputation as a true test of golf.

Surrounded by misty peaks and emerald fairways, the Eden Course embodies the club’s ethos: a blend of heritage, competition, and natural beauty.

Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club

Known as the best golf course in the Hong Kong by Golf Digest. Clearwater Bay G & CC is also home to one of the most beautiful holes in the world (pictured). CWBGCC members and their guests can enjoy the stunning surroundings all year round.

Like many places in Hong Kong, with such prestige comes the cost. So joining Clearwater Bay G & CC may be out of reach for many. However they do allow visitors to play during the certain weekdays.

Thailand

Red Mountain

Red Mountain is a marvel carved out of an old tin mine near Phuket. Known for its dramatic elevation changes, vibrant red soil, and jungle-framed fairways, it offers a thrilling experience. Signature holes include blind shots and cliffside greens, making it unforgettable.

Siam Country Club, Old Course

Siam Country Club’s Old Course in Pattaya, established in 1971 by Dr. Thaworn Phornprapha, is a premier 18-hole championship course nestled on Sukhumvit Road’s eastern side, opposite Pattaya Beach. Spanning 32 acres just 15 minutes from central Pattaya, its original layout was revitalized in 2007 with wall-to-wall cart paths and a modernized clubhouse, meeting global standards. Retaining its strategic design, the course features pristine fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens, earning its place among Thailand’s elite. Recent 2023 clubhouse renovations unveiled stunning vistas of the course and surroundings, amplifying its appeal. With a legacy of excellence and modern enhancements, Siam Country Club Old Course delivers a world-class golfing experience, blending tradition, innovation, and tropical elegance.

Japan

Kawana Hotel (Fuji Course)

Designed by Charles Alison in 1936, the Fuji Course overlooks Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay, offering unparalleled scenery. Its seaside location features undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens. Ranked among the world’s best, it’s a bucket-list destination for any golfer.

Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course

Gotemba Golf Course, Japan’s No. 1 layout per Par Golf magazine, reigns as the flagship of Taiheiyo Club. Nestled on a dramatic hillside, every fairway frames majestic views of Mount Fuji, blending natural beauty with championship design. Designed by Shunsuke Kato and opened in 1977, this par-72, 7,246-yard course has hosted elite events like the Mitsui Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters and World Golf Championships EMC World Cup. Its undulating terrain, strategic bunkering, and JGA-rated 73.9 difficulty challenge pros and enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its iconic driving contests (holes 3/11) and scenic vistas, Gotemba embodies Japanese golf excellence. As global players agree: “You haven’t golfed in Japan until you’ve played Gotemba.”

PGM Golf Resort Okinawa

Overlooking the majestic East China Sea, PGM Golf Resort Okinawa is supervised by one of Japan's leading golfers, Isao Aoki. Renewed in 2017, all 27 holes feature long, open courses, flat and spacious fairways, and short holes that cleverly utilize the terrain. All three courses, named after tropical flowers, have all been the stage for numerous tournaments, including the Deigo Course, which begins with a downhill shot toward the East China Sea. After golf, you could explore Okinawa's beautiful beaches, a variety of activities, and its traditional and culinary culture. Enjoy the ultimate resort golf experience unique to Okinawa to your heart's content.

South Korea

South Cape Owners Club

The fairway spreads out along the rias coast surrounded with fantastic rocks on the cape which protrudes into the sea, and players can enjoy golfing with the view of the sea decorated in small and large islands.

While link courses are mostly flat elsewhere, South Cape Owners Club has a high hill in the center which gives a three-dimensional feeling and also provides versatile course layout. The course is laid out throughout approximately 2,000,000m2 of vast land inside the complex and is approximately 80m in width; players would feel relieved at heart with the cool breeze from the sea. The 2 out of famous 3 island like short holes looking as if floating in the middle of a sea are often compared with other by international golf panelists; the 14th with Pebble Beach’s 7th and the 16th with 16th of Cypress Point, better known as the ‘World’s greatest hole’. Also, the unique bunker style which is suggestive of the rias coast differentiates SCOC from other links once again.

Malaysia

KL Golf & Country Club (West Course)

KL GCC’s West Course is Malaysia’s premier golfing venue, blending tropical beauty with strategic design. Rolling terrain, palm-lined fairways, and signature island greens define this championship layout. Regularly hosting international events, it’s a must-visit for avid golfers.

Philippines

The Manila Southwoods G&CC (Masters Course)

Designed by Pete Dye, the Masters Course is famous for its “volcano” sand traps, undulated greens, and dense foliage. A regular host of Philippine Opens, it challenges even the best players. Its creative design ensures variety and excitement throughout.

Indonesia

Taman Dayu

Taman Dayu, designed by Jack Nicklaus, lies amidst East Java’s volcanic landscape. Cascading waterfalls, rocky formations, and lush vegetation create a surreal setting. Each hole presents unique challenges, making it both picturesque and rewarding to play.

China

Mission Hills (Blackstone) Hainan

The Blackstone Course, spanning 350 acres, is a breathtaking golf layout surrounded by towering trees, dense jungle, lakes, and wetlands. Built on a lava rock base capped with imported material, its design embraces natural terrain and avoids cutting into the rock to preserve Lychee trees. Lava rock features prominently in the course’s aesthetics through irregular turf lines, wild bunkers, and seamless transitions into native rock. Fairways follow the land’s contours, emphasizing natural drainage with no rough, creating a soft, flowing look. The course opens in wooded terrain with varied holes and amphitheater-like greens, ending on elevated ground offering panoramic views. At over 7,800 yards, it challenges elite players while remaining walkable and event-ready, supported by top-tier facilities.

Taiwan

Taiwan Golf & Country Club

Founded in 1919, Taiwan GCC is steeped in history and tradition. Its parkland course features tree-lined fairways, subtle undulations, and meticulously maintained greens. Nestled near Taipei, it’s a serene retreat offering timeless golfing charm.

India

DLF Golf & Country Club (Arnold Palmer Course)

Designed by Arnold Palmer, DLF GCC boasts expansive bunkers, undulating greens, and scenic lakes. Located in Gurugram, it regularly hosts the Hero Indian Open, attracting top talent worldwide. Its blend of luxury and challenge makes it India’s premier golf destination.

Sri Lanka

Victoria Golf & Country Club

Set amidst tea plantations and rice paddies, Victoria GCC offers breathtaking views of the Knuckles Mountain Range. Designed by Donald Steel, its sweeping fairways and tranquil atmosphere make it a peaceful yet challenging round. It’s Sri Lanka’s most picturesque course.

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