Top 5 Underrated Golf Courses in Asia You Should Know
When it comes to golf in Asia, many people will immediately think of famous names such as Black Mountain, Laguna Lang Co, The Els Club Malaysia or Sentosa Serapong Singapore. However, besides the famous courses that constantly appear in the rankings, there are still many quality options, worth playing but less exploited by the media.
These are often courses that do not appear much in mass tourism tours, are located in areas that are not too commercial, or simply international golfers do not have the opportunity to access information. In fact, many of them fit the idea of a true hidden gem golf course, offering very strong playing experience, interesting terrain, attentive service and higher playing value than expected. They are perfect choices for golfer who are searching for where to play golf in Asia without crowds.
This article will help you summarize the underrated golf courses in Asia.
Why are these courses underrated?
Before going into each course, let’s take a quick look at why a good golf course is still not famous:
Little mention in the international media
Some courses are of good quality but do not invest in promotion, so they hardly appear on review channels or rankings of influential magazines in the industry.
Not located in a famous tourist destination
Many golfers choose where to play based on the famous destination. If a course is located in an area without a strong tourism brand, even a very good course can be easily overlooked.
Limited online image
Weak marketing content, few quality images or review videos, leading to an unattractive first impression for those searching for golf in Asia.
Not included in tour combos
Most players book courses through tours or golf agents. A course that is not part of the international tour system will have difficulty reaching foreign visitors.
Lack of Major Tournaments
When a course doesn’t have a major professional tournament, it’s obviously less likely to be mentioned.
But it’s precisely those factors that make these courses hidden gems. If you want a true golf experience, less crowded and more adventurous, these options are definitely worth a visit.
Top Underrated Golf Courses in Asia
Sea Pines Golf Course, Hua Hin, Thailand
Located in the south of Hua Hin, Sea Pines is a coastal course with great potential but is often overshadowed by famous courses in the same area. This is a suitable choice for golfers who want to experience a quality round of golf at a more affordable cost and are searching for where to play golf in Asia without crowds.
Why the course is worth playing
- The location close to the sea, many holes directly exposed to the wind create a real challenge for golfers of all levels.
- Holes 16, 17 and 18 are widely appreciated for their high quality design, clear emotions and very “satisfying” round endings.
- The course surface is maintained stably all year round, the greens are quite real, the speed is average to fast depending on the season.
- Fairways are moderately wide, creating opportunities for golfers to confidently tee off but still require strategy on the second shot.
- The cost is lower than many famous courses in the same area, helping the value-to-experience ratio to be very good.
- Full supporting infrastructure, suitable for groups, tourists and individual players.
Little-known reasons
Most golfers who come to Hua Hin often choose famous courses in mass tours, so Sea Pines rarely appears in the standard schedule of international visitors. The course also does not invest much in external media, so image information is not as widespread as competitors in the region.
For whom
Suitable for golfers who like the feeling of playing on the natural sea, love the windy course style and want a good value option, stable quality without being too crowded.
Sea Pines Golf Course
>>> For those wanting to experience Sea Pines as part of a full golf in Asia package, check the 6-day Stay and Play golf tour
Lakeview Golf Course, Taiwan
Taiwan is a developed golf market but not many courses here appear on the international radar. Lakeview represents a classic hidden gem golf course, with strong layout design and beautiful mountain lake scenery that many international golfers have not experienced.
Why the course is worth playing
- The hilly terrain overlooking the lake, creating many open views and a relaxing feeling throughout the round.
- The layout is in the style of tactical golf, forcing players to read the terrain, aim the ball and control the trajectory instead of just hitting it far.
- The green is relatively small, requiring accurate approach shots and good short game ability, increasing the skill challenge.
- The fairway is narrow and constantly changes slope, creating many difficult ball situations, training the ability to handle reality.
- The space is quiet, less crowded and brings the feeling of “playing golf in the true sense”, suitable for those who like to concentrate.
- The course conditions are rated as stable by the local golfer community and international players living in Taiwan.
Little-known reasons
Taiwan has a strong golf market but is not internationally oriented, leading to many domestic courses not appearing on familiar rankings. Lakeview also does not host major tournaments, so its recognition is lower.
Who is it for
Very suitable for golfers who like tactical courses like hilly styles, like to calculate each shot and do not need flashy images.
Lakeview Golf Course
>>> If you want to learn more about this hidden gem golf course, you can explore details at Lake View Golf Club
Tam Dao Golf and Resort, Vietnam
Tam Dao is not a strange name to Vietnamese golfers, but in the international market, the course is rarely mentioned. Even many international reviews in Hanoi often focus on BRG Kings Island or Hilltop Valley, while Tam Dao offers very competitive playing value.
Why is the course worth playing?
- Located in a naturally cool mountain area, comfortable even when Hanoi is hot, it brings a more comfortable experience than many flat courses.
- The layout has a clear change in elevation, making many holes have strong recognition and forcing golfers to calculate the exact choice of club.
- The green is often faster than the average level of courses in the North, suitable for those who want to practice putting and line reading.
- Many holes have difficult strategic landing points, creating technical depth instead of just focusing on the length of the shot.
- The course has a real level of difficulty in reality, helping golfers with average to good skills feel “satisfied and worth it” after playing.
- Reasonable fee compared to the quality of the layout, course conditions and the challenge it brings.
Little-known reason
Most international visitors to Hanoi are often suggested Kings Island or other more famous courses, because they are part of a large tour system. Tam Dao is not widely promoted internationally, so information has not spread widely on foreign channels.
Who is it for
Suitable for golfers who love true mountain courses, want to try challenging layouts with fast greens but do not want to pay too much.
Tam Dao Golf and Resort
>>> If you are considering adding Tam Dao to your list of underrated golf courses in Asia you can see Tam Dao Golf Club
Nirwana Bali Golf Club, Indonesia
Why the course is worth playing
- The coastal location with many holes has a light breeze, creating a relaxing golf experience that is truly a resort.
- The terrain is gentle, easy to access for golfers from high to medium handicaps, everyone can play without too much pressure.
- The green and fairway are well maintained, the speed is not too harsh, so beginners or resort guests still feel comfortable.
- Many holes have open landscapes, creating a high visual experience value, suitable for those who like to take photos and record their playing journey.
- Not overcrowded, perfect for those looking for where to play golf in Asia without crowds.
- The service is suitable for tourists traveling with families, couples or small groups.
The reason that few people know
In Bali, large courses with strong marketing systems often take the spotlight. Nirwana does not invest too much in international media and does not organize major tournaments, so it is quite obscure to foreign guests.
Who is it for
Suitable for golfers who are on holiday, families or need a course with a light level of difficulty but still offer beautiful scenery and a pleasant playing time.
Nirwana Bali Golf Club
>>> Explore why Nirwana Bali is considered a hidden gem golf course in Asia by checking out the full course details
Tanjong Course, Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
When mentioning Sentosa, most golfers will immediately think of Serapong, which was honored as World’s Best Golf Course. This leaves Tanjong somewhat overshadowed, though its quality is high and it fits the idea of a hidden gem golf course within an elite golf complex.
Why the course is worth playing:
- The course is well cared for, the quality of the fairways and greens is of a high standard, almost equivalent to Serapong
- Many holes have views of the city and the sea, creating a modern and energetic feeling different from many traditional courses
- Smart layout design, moderate challenge, creating excitement but still friendly to intermediate golfers
- Easier to book tee times than Serapong, suitable for those who want to experience Sentosa but do not want to rush or wait long
- Modern clubhouse service, comprehensive amenities in true Singaporean style
- Close to the city center so convenient to move and combine with work or urban tourism
Little-known reason
Serapong is so famous that it takes all the attention of international golfers. Tanjong is therefore often left out of the top choices despite the very good quality of the course. Even players coming to Sentosa for the first time often choose to play Serapong first before considering Tanjong.
Who is it for
Suitable for golfers who want to play a beautiful, high-quality course but with more space, easier tee times and still located right in the heart of Singapore.
Sentosa Golf Club
>>> Discover more about Sentosa’s hidden gem golf course, the New Tanjong Course, and its layout, facilities and booking options
Other courses worth trying
In addition to the main list, if you want to expand your journey, you can refer to:
- Dalat Palace Golf Club, Vietnam
- Horizon Hills, Malaysia
- Sky72, South Korea
- Hokkaido Brooks, Japan
- Kota Permai, Malaysia
These courses are also well-rated by the international golf community but have not reached the level of fame as the market leaders.
Tips for Finding Hidden Courses on the Asian Map
If you want to explore further, you can apply some simple ways:
Don’t just look at the top 10 in the rankings
Try reading the rankings from position 20 to 50. There are many interesting courses in this group but few people pay attention.
Read reviews on in-depth platforms
Golfer communities in the host country often have more honest and less biased reviews.
Prioritize courses outside urban areas
Courses located in less commercial areas often have more open space, quiet and higher natural value.
Ask local players directly
They always know which courses are worth playing but are not in the tourism catalog.
The Asian golf market is growing very fast and is increasingly attracting attention worldwide. However, there are still many valuable golf courses that have not been named accordingly.
Sea Pines, Lakeview, Tam Dao, Nirwana, Tanjong are examples of underrated golf courses in Asia, each offering unique landscape, challenge service and value, yet less commercially known. If you are interested in where to play golf in Asia without crowds rather than repeating familiar destinations, now is the time to expand your bucket list and try some less known options.
If you want to explore where to play golf in Asia without crowds and add fresh destinations to your bucket list, start planning your next trip today. Book your rounds, discover hidden gems and experience golf like never before you might just find a course you’ll return to again and again.
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