It's not as cheap to play golf as it used to be. Greens fees have tripled in the past decade, driven up no doubt by the flocks of golfing enthusiasts from Japan, where the cost of a game is through the roof. But compared with playing golf in Japan, Hong Kong is a giveaway, especially since the opening of the two 18-hole public golf courses at Kau Sai Chau, near Sai Kung in the New Territories. Since courses can be crowded, it's recommended you call the clubs beforehand to check whether they're are open and what tee-off times are available. It's best to book a tee-time in advance. For more information on courses in Hong Kong, you can also check out http://golf-asia.com/.
The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course (tel. 852/2791 3388), carved out of an island formerly used by the British Army for shelling practice, offers great panoramic vistas and one of the world's finest public golfing facilities. There are two 18-hole courses, one for beginners that charges HK$550 (US$71) on weekdays and HK$850 (US$110) on weekends, and another course for advanced players that charges HK$600 (US$78) and HK$900 (US$117), respectively. To reach it, take the MTR to Choi Hung and then board bus 92 or green minibus 1A to Sai Kung Bus Terminus, followed by the special "golfer's ferry" to Kau Sai Chau.
The Hong Kong Golf Club maintains courses in both Fanling (tel. 852/2670 1211) and Deep Water Bay (tel. 852/2812 7070), and welcomes visitors Monday to Friday only (excluding public holidays). No advance reservations are taken, so visitors should first check availability by phone and then arrive early. There are three 18-hole courses in Fanling, in the New Territories, with greens fees at HK$1,400 (US$182); you should begin playing between 7:28 and 11:26am. To reach it, take the KCR railway to Sheung Shui, followed by a 3-minute taxi ride. Deep Water Bay, on Hong Kong Island, is a nine-hole course, with greens fees at HK$450 (US$59) for 18 holes. To reach it, take bus no. 260 or 262 from Exchange Square in Central.
The Discovery Bay Golf Club, on Lantao island (tel. 852/2987 7273), has a beautiful 18-hole course developed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., offering great views of Hong Kong and the harbor. Visitors are allowed to play here Monday, Tuesday, and Friday (except public holidays), and greens fees are HK$1,400 (US$182) for 18 holes. To reach it, take the 20-minute ferry ride from Central (next to the Star Ferry) to Discovery Bay, followed by a ride in a special shuttle bus.
Another scenic 18-hole course and a 9-hole course, operated by the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club (tel. 852/2335 3885), is located in Sai Kung in the New Territories, on a picturesque headland overlooking the South China Sea. Visitors may play Tuesday to Friday (a 3-day advance booking is required), with HK$1,400 (US$182) greens fees charged for the 18-hole course. To reach it, take the KCR railway to Sheung Shui, and then take a taxi.
