Hong Kong Golf Club
We were lucky to play twice in Hong Kong, both the New and Eden Courses. Located about 40 minute drive from Hong Kong Island, the course has 3 X 18 holes, efficient and welcoming staff, and a majestic clubhouse and infrastructure. This impressive Club was established in 1889.
The “Happy House” on the New Course, 13th hole
Condition
Tees, bunkers and greens were in excellent condition - really well maintained, and so many shades of green! The rough was rough (we’re talking tropical island jungle style). We we lucky to play twice:
New Course Thursday 7 Dec, 2:04 tee time: outstanding weather conditions, not too hot (24 degrees) and clear blue skies. Quite a full field, so were only able to play 12 holes before it became too dark
Eden Course Monday 11 Dec, 2:04 tee time: overcast and humid conditions, about 28 degrees. A faster field so able to get round before dark. Lovely time to play in the afternoon, especially with the changing light against the fairways and mountains surrounding the course.
Enjoying a pickled salty lime juice before the game
Biodiversity
Felt like you were playing in the jungle (not the concrete kind!) Quite a few birds, were really excited to see red billed blue magpies for the first time, with their spectacular long tail feathers. Were surprised to see a lot of paperbark trees, quite reminiscent of Sunshine Coast Australia.
Vistas
Lovely views of densely vegetated mountains. You can see the quintessential HK skyscrapers from a few holes (the seventh hole on New Course hits over the sixth fairway – don’t forget to gong the bell when you’re done!) The vistas on the more established Eden Course were incredible, and the second day we played was very quiet, each hole offering a different view of surrounding hills, the city and the rest of the course.
Take two on hole 4, Eden Course
Organisation
It is a very impressive club, and you get a sense of a well run organisation from the time you arrive. The team are there to help you with your clubs, you check with your passport, and are directed to your course and tee time ahead of schedule. The course has an impressive history in Hong Kong - so worth an explore if you have the time.
Swimming pools are available for men and women, and great practice facilities to have a putt before you play. The proshop is well stocked, and the staff were welcoming, efficient and friendly. We finished with a Chinese beer (tsing tao) on the terrace overlooking the 18th green (Eden Course) - fantastic view of the players hitting over (or in) the water towards the green. Restaurant serving reasonably priced traditional Asian and European (golf) fair.
A special shout out to the course marshals on Eden Course - they were really helpful, both with signalling when safe to play (blind shots) as well as in searching for your ball/s and applauding a good shot! I’d brush up on your Cantonese.
The only downside on the New Course was the pace of play – it was a really slow round and only got 12 holes in before we called it a day. (Fortunately this was not the case the Eden the following Monday).
Design
This is what we loved most about this course (and the fact that you’re literally playing in a jungle). Every hole offers a different layout, the only criticism from Michael being there three par threes in first nine holes on New Course (Sarah – not an issue). Lots of water – I think I lost two balls on New alone, quick a few bunkers (although not tough to get out of), rough was pretty dense, and you couldn’t really putt just off the green, need more chipping action.
In terms of challenge, there was a lot to think about, particularly being unfamiliar with the layout, and the diversity of obstacles (rough, distance, bunker placements etc). The course really challenges you to consider different options for each shot.
Watch out for midgies!
One surprise: red billed blue magpies in flight! The “happy house” at the end of the 13th on Eden (stocked with banana bread and beers) - and water courses on Eden Valley - keep an eye out!
Greatest challenge: slow play on New Course, trying to manage getting through before dark.
Something the course taught you: learning to trust yourself, your shot selection, particularly when not familiar with the course or what the outcome might be.
Favourite hole: New course, 7th hole, starts off with a drive over the 6th and interesting to see which club to use to get onto the green. Sloping fairways throws another spanner in the works… Eden Course: following a long walk, the 14th plays alongside the equestrian club, with the sun setting in the hills in the background - very special.
Piece of advice: Bring your credit card to the proshop – they’ve got great merch. And pack mozzie repellant especially on the 8th hole – Sarah got smashed by midgies and has had itchy ankles ever since.
Overall rating 83/100
Our subjective experience of the course on these specific days.
