The Ultimate Guide to Golf in Guangdong (2025 Updated)

If you are looking for a golf destination with stunning scenery and ideal weather all year round, then Guangdong is likely to surprise you. Located in southern China, the province is gradually becoming a paradise for golf lovers, with first-class golf courses, a warm climate, and a harmonious combination of nature and urban. This guide will help you discover why Guangdong is worth being on your bucket list!

Why should play golf in Guangdong?

China, a country of a billion people, not only has a developed economy but also focuses on developing golf. Among the key areas of golf, we cannot ignore Guangdong, a golf paradise in China. But why does Guangdong have this high-ranking position? Let’s find out in this part!

Firstly, Guangdong boasts numerous top golf courses in China, stretching across major cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Dongguan. Many golf courses are designed by famous architects and meet international standards, both in green quality, scenery, and services. An illustrative example is Mission Hills, the largest golf complex in Asia. This is not only a standout for scale but also the host for professional golf tournaments. It is fair to say that each golf course in Guangdong has a unique design, enhancing diverse experiences for players.

Secondly, Guangdong has beneficial weather, suitable for all-year golf. Thanks to the subtropical climate, it’s not too cold in winter here. Although it’s sunny in summer, humidity and sea breeze help to balance the weather, which is very suitable for playing golf all year round. For me, the morning in autumn or early spring is the best time to play—cool air and green scenery allow golfers to concentrate on every swing.

Lastly, Guangdong is famous for its open-culture golf environment and rich potential for social networking. In Guangdong, golf is not only a sport but also a part of cultural exchange. Players here are very open-minded and come from many social status, such as businessmen, foreigners working in China, and young local golfers. Golf clubs are very active and regularly hold domestic and international competitions.

In conclusion, playing golf in Guangdong is a very intimate experience. Whether you are a novice or a player with years of experience, there are always some interesting things in fairways and green exploration.

When is the best time to golf in Guangdong?

The ideal time to kick off your rounds in Guangdong is from October to March, when the region enters autumn and winter. During this period, temperatures increase to around 20-28°C; it is cool with minimal rainfall, gentle sunshine, and not so wet, perfect for playing golf outdoors.

Furthermore, this is also the time when golf courses are in their best condition. Most golf courses have dry greens and durable slopes, bringing better conditions for the game. Tourists might expect golf competitions, social events, and networking because this is the peak season in Guangdong. For golfers like me, this is truly the ideal opportunity to level up skills and widen social connections.

Best golf courses in Guangdong

Guangdong boasts several world-class golf courses, and here some of the best one you should make your swings during golf holiday here:

Mission Hills Golf Club (Shenzhen & Dongguan)

Located in two main regions of Shenzhen and Dongguan, Guangdong, Mission Hills is one of the most prestigious and popular golf destinations in Asia. With the large scale and modern amenities, this complex is recognised by Guinness as the largest resort in the world.

Mission Hills consists of 12 separated golf courses, each is designed by golf legend or top architect such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo… Each golf course features a different design, catering for every level, from beginners to professionals. Among 12 golf courses, the Olazábal course is the most. This course has hosted the Omega Mission Hills World Cup, one of the biggest international golf tournaments in China. With a convenient location, spectacular scenery, and premium design, Mission Hills is completely a golf heaven for both golf lovers and international golf tournaments.

Chimelong International Golf Club (Guangzhou)

Chimelong International Golf Club is located right in the tourism complex of Chimelong, the famous “all-in-one” entertaining place, only 800 meters from Hanxi Changlong metro. With this location, the course has become the favourite choice among golf lovers.

The course is designed as a multi-functional training and entertainment course, featuring a practice area of approximately 250,000 m², using high-quality American artificial turf, and more than 100 separate tees. The course space is airy, with a beautiful view, ideal for both beginners learning to swing and professional golfers who want to supervise their techniques. The club also has a VIP room system, a suitable place to relax, negotiate, or connect, and is also a place to organise golf courses and programs for children and amateur groups.

Dragon Lake Golf Club (Guangzhou)

Dragon Lake Golf Club is located in Dragon Lake Village, Huadong Town, Huadu District, about 52 km from the centre of Guangzhou. This is an ideal destination for golfers looking for a combination of course quality and wonderful natural space. Designed by Dick Davidson, the course has a typical parkland style with 27 holes divided into 3 courses: A/B/C, or what people also call the North/South/West courses.

Due to the parkland design, the course features lush green hills and a large lake, creating a sense of comfortable cool green and peacefulness. However, don’t let the scenery fool you because the winding fairways and deep bunkers add to the challenges of the game, requiring players to carefully calculate every swing. Dragon lake was the host for the golf event of the 2010 Asian Games (both individual and team events). In addition, the course also hosted the 2013 Royal Trophy, an international friendly match between Asia and Europe.

Dragon Lake is not only a high-quality course with excellent design and stunning natural scenery but also the magnet for international golf tournaments in Guangdong. For golfers who love to play in open areas with lakes, hills, and wind, this is the must-visit destination.

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Guangzhou Foison Golf Club

Guangzhou Foison Golf Club is the great destination for golfers when coming to Guangzhou. The course is located right on the doorstep of Guangzhou, only a 15-minute drive from Bach Van airport and about half an hour from the city centre. Officially opened in 2010 on a former industrial waste dump, the course has been transformed into a green resort covering an area of over 2.6 million square meters.

The course features two 18-hole championship courses: the Haworth Course (member only) and the Dye Course, featuring risk and reward play and dramatic rock and cactus landscaping. The course was the official venue for the 2010 ASIAD and hosted many golf tournaments, such as the China PGA Tour, Youth Championships, …

Not only a playground, Foison Golf also focuses on building a multi-functional golf ecosystem, including an 8,500 m² Asian-European-style clubhouse, a hotel, a 3,000 m² driving range with real grass, a large short game practice area, along with a restaurant, VIP room, spa, and modern pro shop. If you are looking for the feeling of playing in a natural environment and a unique course design in Guangdong, Foison is a choice worth considering.

Lion Lake Country Golf Club

Lion Lake Country Golf Club is a bit far from the city centre of Guangdong (74 km to the north, usually takes about 45-60 minutes to get there by car). This is a 36-hole resort consisting of two courses: Moon Course and Moonlight Course. Both of them are designed by the American architect Rick Jacabson and officially introduced in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

The Moon Course is designed to bend with the Danxia terrain, with red sandstone outcrops featuring steep cliffs, creating both a majestic landscape and a high level of challenge. The bunkers have jagged, rough edges, which are usually used on bunkers to increase the difficulty of the game. The Moonlight course, also being the later one, still has depth and character with a water-orientated design, many ponds, and small bridges, suitable for golfers looking for a more relaxed experience.

Many golfers compared playing golf in Lion Lake Country Club to playing in the sculptural nature of Danxia, technically challenging and immersing in the magnificent natural scenery at the same time. If you want to experience golf in Guangdong but be far enough to escape the overload of the city, Lion Lake is a great choice!

What to do after golf in Guangdong?

Coming to Guangdong but don’t try these activities? Your holiday will not be complete. Save these things to do after playing golf in Guangdong for an unforgettable golf experience!

Enjoy dim sum in Guangzhou

Nothing is better after a round of golf in the morning than enjoying a traditional Guangdong dim sum meal. You should go to restaurants such as Tao Tao Ju, Guangzhou Restaurant, or Panxi. They have a diverse menu and serve hot tea. This is a great way to learn about culture.

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Relax with foot massage or Chinese-style spa

Playing golf can easily cause muscle fatigue, especially after 18 holes. Take the time to visit a local spa for a Chinese herbal foot bath, neck and shoulder massage, or a sauna. In Shenzhen, Dongguan, or Guangzhou, there are many quality spas, reasonable prices, and professional service.

Visit the old town or local night market

Guangdong has many old areas, such as Shamian (Guangzhou) or Dapeng Ancient City (Shenzhen), with unique architecture, very suitable for a leisurely stroll after golf. In the evening, you can visit the local night markets to explore street food, buy souvenirs, and feel the vibrant life.

Watch the sunset on the banks of the Pearl River or a lake near the course

Many golf courses in Guangdong are located near rivers or lakes, with beautiful views at the end of the day. You can sit in a cafe by the lake or take a light cruise on the Pearl River, watching the sunset in a peaceful atmosphere. This is a great way to “cool down” both physically and mentally.

Interact and networking with the local or international golfers

If you have time, you should join an exchange session at the clubhouse or an event organised by the course. This is a great opportunity to expand relationships, learn techniques, share experiences, and sometimes even generate ideas for work collaboration.

Some helpful tips

To have a smoothly golf holiday in Guangdong, save these tips below:

• Avoid booking on weekends: Popular golf courses in Guangdong tend to be very busy on Saturdays and Sundays, especially in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Dongguan areas. If you can be flexible, choose a weekday, when the courses are less crowded, tee times are easier to book, and the cost is considerably cheaper.
• Check the booking policy in advance: Some courses, like Mission Hills and Dragon Lake, require booking online or through a golf agent. They also have their own payment policies and mandatory caddies or non-member surcharges, so check carefully before you go to avoid being caught off guard.
• Bring sunscreen, long sleeves, or a personal umbrella: Although it is cool in winter, the sunshine in Guangdong is quite strong at noon, especially when playing 18 holes in a row. Therefore, you should bring sunscreen and sun-protection clothes.
• Learn basic communication with local people or use translation apps: Not all staff at golf courses can speak English fluently, especially on smaller courses. You should learn some basic communicative phrases or use a translation application like Google Translate, which will make it easier for you to communicate with caddies or court staff.
• Be aware of unexpected weather changes (especially in summer): In summer months (May – August), Guangdong may experience sudden rain or brief storms. so remember to bring a thin raincoat or check the weather forecast carefully before heading out.
• Prepare a small tip for the caddie: On some courts, tipping for the caddie is not mandatory but appreciated, especially if the caddie guides enthusiastically and supports well. The common amount of tipping is about 50 – 100 yuan (~ $7-$14).

In conclusion, whether you are an experienced golfer or a novice, Guangdong will bring you a rich and unforgettable golf experience. From coastal golf courses to luxury resorts in the jungle, various elements are gathered here, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed and premium golf holiday. So, prepare golf clubs and arrange a timetable to enjoy all the best of golf in Guangdong. Please keep in touch with us to make your golf dream in Guangdong come true!

Read more:

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