Top 15 Best Golf Courses in Asia 2025/2026
Most people’s list of “greatest courses” is just a highlight reel of what they’ve seen on TV Augusta, Pebble Beach, or St. Andrews. Those are obvious choices, but they aren’t the only ones. There are courses across Asia that are just as impressive, even if they don’t get the same airtime in the West.
This guide covers the spots in Asia that actually live up to the hype. I’ve looked at layout, the local landscape, and how the courses actually play to put this list together. Whether you’re looking for a championship-level challenge or just a place with a view that makes the green fees feel worth it, these are the destinations that should probably be on your radar.
Sentosa Golf Club – Serapong Course
If you’re golfing in Singapore, the Serapong at Sentosa is the heavy hitter. It’s been around since the early 80s, but they recently redid the whole thing to sharpen the layout and improve the turf. What really sets it apart is the backdrop, you have the city skyline on one side and the massive container ships passing by on the other.
At over 6,600 meters, it’s a big course. It was the home of the Singapore Open for over a decade, which tells you everything you need to know about the difficulty level. It’s essentially a trophy magnet at this point; it’s been ranked as the best in Singapore and Asia by pretty much every major golf magazine, and the World Golf Awards just named it the best in Asia again in 2023. It’s challenging, but the views of the harbor make the harder holes a bit more bearable.
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Hirono Golf Club
The Hirono Golf Club, often referred to as the “Pine Valley of Japan,” is an exclusive and private golf course located near the port city of Kobe. Originally designed in 1932 by Charles H. Alison, the course faced adversity during World War 2 when it served as a runway, resulting in significant damage. However, through the efforts of Toyohiko Inui and Osama Ueda, who restored it using Alison’s original plans, and later brought back to life by Martin Ebert, the course regained its former glory.
Measuring 6,925 yards from the back tees, the course may not be excessively long, yet it presents a supreme test of golfing skills. This serves as a testament that thoughtful design can create challenges even without resorting to a 7,500-yard monster course. Regarded as one of the best golf courses in Asia, the Hirono Golf Club has hosted major Japanese championships and notably the prestigious Japan Open.
Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club
Among the several excellent golf clubs in Hong Kong, The Clearwater Bay Club stands out as the most captivating. Often referred to as “Hong Kong’s Pebble Beach,” this golf course boasts an unparalleled seaside location, gracefully nestled on a fishhook-shaped peninsula extending into Clearwater Bay. The panoramic views alone make it a worthwhile destination.
Situated along the picturesque coast, many of the highest-ranked golf courses in Asia find their place here, and for good reason. Recognizing its stunning setting, Asian Golf Monthly crowned The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club as the best course in Hong Kong, while Golf Digest featured two of its holes – the 3rd and 14th on its prestigious list of the 38 best holes in all of China.
With a membership comprising over 3,000 international players from around the globe, the club enjoys a diverse and vibrant golfing community. Moreover, despite its establishment in 1982, the course recently underwent a comprehensive renovation, leaving it in better shape than ever before.
South Cape Owners Club
South Cape Owners Club opened in 2013 on Namhae Island, and it’s probably the most visually dramatic course in South Korea. Kyle Phillips designed it to follow the natural line of the cliffs, meaning you have an ocean view from every single hole. It plays as a par 72 and isn’t exceptionally long at under 6,700 yards, but the constant threat of the cliff edge and the wind makes it plenty difficult.
The standout holes are the 14th and the 16th. They’re both par 3s where the greens are essentially tucked into the rocks right above the water. The 16th is especially brutal at over 200 meters. It’s gained a reputation as one of Asia’s top destinations not just because of the luxury of the club, but because the terrain is so unforgiving. It feels less like a manicured park and more like you’re playing on the edge of the world.
The Els Club Teluk Datai
Ernie Els, a remarkable four-time major winner, has not only excelled as a player but also carved a niche for himself as one of the world’s finest player-turned-designers, creating stunning golf courses across the globe. Recently, he unveiled a collection of even more exclusive golf facilities known as The Els Clubs, reflecting his taste in everything, from clubhouse style to menu offerings (currently consisting of three exceptional venues).
Nestled within an expansive 8,000-acre (3,200-hectare) nature preserve, The Els Club Teluk Datai earned the prestigious title of Malaysia’s most scenic course from the World Golf Awards immediately upon its opening. The course meanders through ancient rainforests and leads down to the very edge of the mesmerizing Andaman Sea. Notably, the course’s signature hole is a par-3 that spans a rocky ocean inlet, leaving a lasting impression on all who play it.
Lush with tropical flora and frequented by playful monkeys, the course is expertly managed by Troon Golf, a globally recognized leader in luxury golf services and course maintenance. For added convenience and comfort, carts are included in the green fees, and caddies are available as an optional amenity.
>>> Check out more must-play golf courses in Malaysia rather than the Els Club Teluk Datai.
Ba Na Hills Golf Club
Ba Na Hills Golf Club is tucked into the foothills about 25 minutes inland from Da Nang. Designed by Luke Donald, it’s a world-class setup that has basically owned the “Best in Vietnam” title for the last six years. It even hit the number five spot for the whole of Asia in 2021. Unlike the beachside courses in the area, this one is all about the mountain views and the jungle backdrop.
It’s a par-72 layout that can be as hard or as easy as you want it to be. If you play from the professional tees, it’s a monster at 7,857 yards, one of the longest in the region. But there are four other sets of tees, including the whites at about 6,000 yards, so it’s accessible for casual players too. The main draw is the variety; because of the hilly terrain, no two holes really feel the same, and the elevation changes keep things interesting from start to finish.
Nine Bridges Golf Club
Nine Bridges is a private club on Jeju Island, and it’s arguably the most prestigious course in South Korea. The designers, Ronald Fream and David Dale, tried to create a layout that feels like a Scottish highland course but plays with the scale of an American one. It sits in a pine forest at the foot of Mount Hallasan, which is South Korea’s tallest mountain. Because of the elevation and the mountain backdrop, it feels much more secluded than most island courses.
The name is a bit of a local legend, there are actually only eight physical stone bridges crossing the water hazards. The “ninth bridge” is a metaphor for the connection between the club and its members. Since opening in 2001, the club has been a bit of a trendsetter for Korean golf; it was the first in the country to host the LPGA. It’s known for having bent grass fairways and being kept in perfect condition year-round, which is why it’s consistently ranked as one of the best in Asia.
Tokyo Golf Club
Established in 1913 and having undergone two relocations before settling on its present site, The Tokyo Golf Club, affectionately known as “Little Edo,” boasts a storied history. This exquisite par 71 18-hole golf course was originally designed by Komyo Ohtani, who received his training in England. Later, the course underwent a restoration masterfully handled by Gil Hanse. Though not remarkably long by modern standards, The Tokyo Golf Club efficiently preserves its par by offering an array of challenges throughout the course.
As a members-only course, playing here is a rare privilege reserved for the fortunate few who receive an invitation. One of the course’s signature features is the two green complexes on each hole, aptly named Asaka and Chichibu. Approaching the elevated greens, the fairways progressively narrow, while the extremely demanding rough demands pinpoint accuracy from players. In this captivating setting, precision and skill become paramount for a successful round of golf.
Yokohama Country Club
Established in 1960, Yokohama Country Club boasts two exceptional 18-hole layouts, the East and West courses, both envisioned and crafted by architect Takeo Aiyama. Notably, the West course had the honor of hosting the prestigious 1978 Japan Open. In 2014 and 2015, the West Course underwent a significant revitalization led by Coore and Crenshaw, wherein the old double greens were reconstructed and replaced with single greens.
One standout feature of this remarkable golfing destination is the additional “19th” hole on the West course, a unique par 3. This special edition allows players to settle any ties that may arise after the regulation round over the 18-hole layout. As they make their way off the course to the locker room, golfers enjoy the delight of playing a little short hole, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their experience.
The Bluff Ho Tram Strip
The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip opened in 2014 and is the second course Greg Norman designed in Vietnam. It’s located about 80 miles southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The layout is built on a coastal plateau with huge sand dunes and sandy loam soil, giving it a feel that’s closer to a traditional links course than most others in the region. It’s currently ranked as the best course in the country by the World Golf Awards.
The course plays as a par 71 and stretches to 7,007 yards. The main challenge isn’t just the length; it’s the coastal wind, which can change how a hole plays from one hour to the next. It was actually the first place in Vietnam to combine a high-end course with a casino resort. If you stay there, you’ve got a 5-star hotel and about ten restaurants to choose from, so you don’t really have to leave the property once you arrive.
>>> You may also like: 10+ Best Golf Courses in Southern Vietnam 2026
Shanqin Bay Golf Club
Shanqin Bay is tucked away on the southeast coast of Hainan Island near Bo’ao. It’s the only course in China designed by the team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, who are known for minimalist designs that follow the land’s natural shape. The site itself is pretty spectacular—it’s a rugged stretch of coastline that was once a military outpost, and turning it into a world-class golf course was a major collaboration between the US designers and the local Chinese developers.
The layout is a mix of styles. Some holes feel like traditional sand dunes, while others are built right on the edge of cliffs and deep chasms. It’s not an easy walk or an easy game; the topography is constantly shifting, and the wind off the South China Sea is a major factor. Because it’s so exclusive and the terrain is so dramatic, it’s become one of the most sought-after tee times in Asia. It’s one of those rare places where the landscape is actually more memorable than your score.
Hoiana Shores Golf Club
Hoiana Shores sits on the coast just south of Hoi An. It’s the first Vietnam project from Robert Trent Jones II, and because it’s built on a massive stretch of dunes, it plays like a true links course. You can see the Cham Islands from the fairways, and there isn’t much in the way of trees or buildings to block the view of the water.
It plays as a par 71 at just over 7,000 yards. The turf choice – Zoysia fairways and Bermuda greens is a good fit for the tropical climate and the salt air. While the whole course is open and sandy, the back nine is where it gets interesting. Holes 15 through 17 are pinned right against the shoreline. The 16th is probably the most famous hole on the property; it runs parallel to the water, and if the wind is coming off the sea, it can turn a standard par 4 into a struggle. It’s a raw, windy environment that feels a lot more like a traditional Scottish course than a typical Southeast Asia resort.
Ayodhya Links
Ayodhya Links is the kind of place most golfers only ever see in photos. It’s a private, invitation-only club in Thailand that opened in 2007, and it’s basically designed to be as exclusive as possible. It gained a lot of international attention in 2016 when it hosted the World Club Championship, which really cemented its status as one of the premier courses in the region.
The course is dominated by a 70-acre lake, but the real story is the difficulty. From the championship tees, it’s a monster at 7,639 yards. It’s famously long, nearly every par 4 is over 400 yards, so you’re hitting long irons into greens all day. There are 79 bunkers scattered across the property, and the greens are known for being exceptionally fast and undulating. It’s a polished, high-end environment, but the actual golf is meant to be a grind.
TPC Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
TPC Kuala Lumpur is sitting right in the middle of the city, only about 20 minutes from the center. Most locals still know it by its old name, the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. It’s a 36-hole complex, but the West Course is the real draw. If you’re only going to play one round here, the West is the championship layout that you see on TV.
They finished the West Course back in 2008, and the maintenance is basically the gold standard for Malaysia. It hosted the Malaysian Open every year from 2010 to 2015, so it’s designed to test pros. It’s a polished, well-kept course where the greens are consistently fast and the details like the bunkering and the turf quality are handled much better than at your average club. It’s a busy place because of its location, but the quality of the West Course makes it worth the effort.
Kawana Resort (Fuji Course)
Kawana Resort’s Fuji Course is basically Japan’s answer to Pebble Beach. It was designed by Charles H. Alison in 1936 and is about a two-hour drive from Yokohama. The layout is famous for its location on a volcanic plateau, you spend the round on the edge of massive cliffs overlooking the Pacific, with Mount Fuji usually visible in the background if the weather is clear.
It’s a traditional, scenic course, but it’s notoriously difficult to play. The greens are often elevated, and the holes wind through thick, mature woods that don’t leave much room for error. It has plenty of history, too; it hosted the Eisenhower Trophy in 1962 and was the long-time home of the Fuji Sankei Classic. While many old courses have been overshadowed by newer designs, Kawana is still considered one of the top two or three places to play in the country because the landscape is so unique.
Asia is home to a plethora of remarkable golf courses, but the ones we’ve selected truly stand out with their rich histories. These exceptional courses have earned their place as the best in Asia, not just for their heritage but also for their impressive size. So, if you find yourself in any of these Asian countries, be sure to explore these extraordinary gems! Don’t hesitate to contact us now to plan perfect Asia golf holidays with several golf games at these notable golf courses in Asia.
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In many Southeast Asia courses, carts are included and often mandatory due to heat an terrain. Walking is more common in Japan, though policies vary by club.
For public and resort courses, booking is straightforward online or through hotels. For private clubs, access is limited and usually arranged via golf tour agencies or member connections.
Yes. Japan and South Korea tend to be stricter, often requiring jackets in clubhouses and more formal attire. Southeast Asia is slightly more relaxed, but proper golf wear is still expected at some more high-end courses.
Most clubs allow non-golfing guests in clubhouse areas, restaurants, and resorts. Scenic destinations like Kawana Resort Fuji Course are especially appealing even for non-players.
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I played Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore last year, and it was in amazing condition. Totally worth it, though a bit pricey. Are there other world-class courses in Asia that feel more budget-friendly?
Dear Giovanna,
Thank you for sharing your experience! If you’re looking for destinations that offer the same high standards but with more budget-friendly options, there are some fantastic alternatives across the region.
In Vietnam, courses like Ba Na Hills Golf Club in Da Nang and The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip near Ho Chi Minh City are renowned for their stunning designs and affordable green fees compared to Singapore. In Thailand, Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin and Red Mountain in Phuket consistently rank among Asia’s best, while still offering very reasonable stay-and-play packages. For those interested in Cambodia, Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap pairs championship golf with easy access to Angkor Wat, making it both unique and great value.
We’d be delighted to help you put together a tailored golf holiday that balances top-notch playing conditions with affordability, including accommodations and transfers. Feel free to contact us anytime, and we’ll recommend the best destinations based on your preferences and travel plans.
Best regards,
GolfLux Team