Jackson Reid
Golf in China is an increasingly popular sport, with numerous golf courses being established across the country, particularly in Hainan and Guangdong. While the sport attracts foreign investment and overseas golfers, it is considered prohibitively expensive for the general public, with average green fees for non-members at least $100, and often far higher. The average initiation fee for a golf club in China is around $53,000, with annual subscriptions ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. These high costs are attributed to factors such as the expanding economy, the growth of the leisure and tourism industry, and media exposure from professional tournaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses in China | 500 (as of 2008) to 650 (as of 2024) |
| Number of golfers in China | 300,000 (as of 2008) to 358,000 (as of 2011) to 20 million (projected for 2020) to 1 million (as of 2024) |
| Average initiation fee of a golf club | US$53,000 |
| Average green fees for non-members | US$100 to US$161 |
| Average cost of a round of golf | 800-1000 RMB (US$115-US$140) |
| Mandatory tip for caddy | US$30 |
| Mandatory golf cart fee | Cost unknown |
| Average number of full-time staff at an 18-hole course | 258 |
| Average membership numbers per 18-hole course | 403 |
| Government tax on golf clubs | 24% |
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What You'll Learn
Golf in China is a growing industry
While golf in China is considered prohibitively expensive for the general public, it is a popular recreational sport among businesspeople and officials. The average initiation fee for a golf club in China is US$53,000, with some clubs charging over US$100,000. Annual subscriptions can range from US$1,500 to US$4,000, and green fees for non-members are usually at least US$100. The high costs are attributed to factors such as lavish associated developments, high staffing numbers, and the inclusion of mandatory golf cart and caddy fees.
Despite the high costs, golf in China attracts foreign investment and overseas golfers due to its relatively inexpensive fees compared to other countries. The sport has gained media exposure through professional tournaments like the World Cup of Golf, which was staged in China annually until 2018. China has also produced several successful golfers, such as Zhang Lianwei, Liang Wenchong, Shanshan Feng, and Wu Ashun.
The Chinese government has had a complex relationship with golf, acknowledging the construction of new golf courses as a waste of public money and an illegal use of space. In 2015, the Chinese Communist Party banned its members from joining golf clubs as part of an anti-corruption campaign. However, the sport continues to grow in popularity, and China remains a sought-after destination for golf holidays and tours.
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Golf is considered a rich person's game
The average cost of playing an 18-hole round of golf on a weekend in China is $161, compared to $152 in Dubai, which is already considered expensive. In addition, the average initiation fee for a golf club membership in China is a staggering $53,000, with some clubs charging initiation fees exceeding $100,000. Annual subscriptions can range from $1,500 to $4,000, and that's before mandatory caddy fees and tips are taken into account.
The high costs of playing golf in China are due to several factors. Firstly, golf courses in China tend to be part of larger, luxurious developments that include hotels, tennis courts, health clubs, and other leisure facilities. This means that the overhead costs for these businesses are high, and those costs are passed on to the consumer. Secondly, golf has become a popular recreational sport for businesspeople and officials in China, who are often willing to pay high prices for the opportunity to network and entertain clients. Thirdly, the rapidly expanding Chinese economy has generated corporate demand for the game, as businesses see it as an opportunity to impress clients and reward employees.
While the exact number of golfers in China is unknown, it is estimated that there are several hundred thousand to a million golfers in the country, and this number is expected to continue growing. The growth of golf in China has been fuelled by the emergence of Chinese golfers on the world stage, such as Liang Wenchong and Shanshan Feng, who have inspired a new generation of golfers in the country. However, despite the growing popularity of the sport, golf remains out of reach for many in China due to its high costs.
The Chinese government has acknowledged the issue of high costs and the elitist nature of golf in the country. In 2007, Premier Wen Jiabao stated that the construction of new golf courses was a waste of public money and illegal use of space, and the government has since imposed a 24% tax on golf clubs. Additionally, the Chinese Communist Party banned its members from joining golf clubs as part of an anti-corruption campaign, recognising that golf had become associated with displays of wealth and extravagance.
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Golf clubs have high initiation fees
Golf is considered a prohibitively expensive sport in China, especially for the general public. However, it is a popular recreational sport among businesspeople and officials. The sport attracts foreign investment and overseas golfers from countries like South Korea, Australia, and Japan due to its relatively inexpensive fees.
Some of the most expensive golf clubs in the world include The Vintage Club, with an initiation fee of $300,000, and Fisher Island Club, with a fee of $250,000. The Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey has the highest price tag among former President Trump's golf clubs, with an initiation fee of $350,000.
The high initiation fees of golf clubs often provide access to exclusive amenities and experiences. For example, The Vintage Club offers lake and mountain views, while Fisher Island Club provides access to a private beach, marina, and aviary. These fees can also grant access to prestigious facilities, impeccable course conditions, and luxurious offerings such as spas and yacht services.
While golf clubs in China may not reach the extreme initiation fees of the world's most expensive clubs, the sport is still considered costly for the average person in the country. The average green fees for non-members in China are usually at least US$100, and often much higher.
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Golf complexes incorporate lavish hotels
Golf in China is a growing industry, with numerous golf courses being established, especially in the province of Hainan. The sport attracts foreign investment and overseas golfers from countries like South Korea, Australia, and Japan, who are drawn to the relatively inexpensive fees. However, for the general Chinese public, golf is considered prohibitively expensive.
Golf complexes in China often incorporate lavish hotels, with Tripadvisor reviews highlighting the charm and comfort of these accommodations. Many of these hotels offer convenient access to nearby golf courses, with some even providing golf carts for transport. The hotels boast elegant designs, spacious and well-equipped rooms, and excellent service. Some are located in serene environments, offering peaceful retreats with beautiful views of lakes, mountains, or the sea.
For example, one reviewer praised the "perfect service" and "great bridge view" of a hotel, while another commended the cleanliness and comfort of their room, as well as the tasty food offered by the hotel's restaurants. Another reviewer enjoyed their stay at a hotel located beside a Mexican lake, with walking distance to a mall and restaurants. They also highlighted the exceptional service provided by the staff, specifically mentioning Ms. Rachel at the reception.
In addition to comfortable accommodations and convenient access to golf courses, these hotels often showcase exquisite culinary experiences, featuring a variety of cuisines. One reviewer mentioned enjoying both Western and Asian cuisine at a hotel in the Binhai area, including a genuine Taiwanese dish. Another reviewer praised the tasty food at the Kempinski Suzhou hotel, highlighting the professionalism of its restaurants.
While golf in China may be costly for locals, the integration of lavish hotels within golf complexes enhances the overall experience for those who can afford it, providing a combination of luxurious accommodations, convenient access to golf courses, and exceptional dining options.
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Golf is a popular sport for businesspeople
Golf is a growing industry in China, with a proliferation of golf courses, particularly in Hainan province and around Shanghai. The sport is popular among businesspeople and officials, who are drawn to the country's top-class golf complexes, many of which incorporate lavish hotels and leisure facilities. Golf in China is considered prohibitively expensive for the general public, with high green fees and membership costs.
The average cost of a round of golf in China is significantly higher than in other parts of the world. A round on a typical course costs between 800 and 1000 RMB (approximately $115 to $140 USD), including a mandatory golf cart and caddy, and a mandatory tip of around $30 USD per player. These costs are not inclusive of additional fees such as cart fees. In comparison, the average green fee for non-members in China is usually at least $100 USD and often far more expensive, with some clubs charging initiation fees exceeding $100,000 USD and annual subscriptions ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 USD.
The high costs of playing golf in China are attributed to several factors. Firstly, the sport is seen as a symbol of prestige and elitism, with a culture of corporate demand and extravagance surrounding it. This perception is reinforced by the emergence of world-class Chinese golfers, such as Liang Wenchong and Shanshan Feng, who have achieved success in professional tournaments. Secondly, golf complexes in China often feature lavish developments, including high-end accommodation and other leisure facilities, which contribute to the overall expense. Thirdly, staffing costs are significantly higher in Chinese golf clubs than in other regions, with an average of 258 full-time staff employed per 18-hole course, a much higher number than in Western Europe.
Despite the high costs, golf remains a popular sport among businesspeople in China. The country attracts foreign golfers and investors with its relatively inexpensive fees compared to other destinations such as South Korea, Australia, and Japan. The availability of world-class golf complexes and the opportunity to network with other businesspeople and officials contribute to the sport's popularity within this demographic.
While the Chinese government has taken steps to discourage the construction of new golf courses due to concerns over public spending and illegal use of space, the number of golfers in China is expected to continue growing. The combination of a rapidly expanding economy, a burgeoning leisure and tourism industry, and media exposure from professional tournaments all contribute to the increasing popularity of golf among businesspeople in China.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf in China is considered to be prohibitively expensive for the general public. However, it is a popular recreational sport for businesspeople and officials.
Golf in China is considered to be one of the most expensive and elitist sports in the world. This is due to the high cost of building and maintaining courses, the relatively low membership numbers per course, and the high staffing costs.
The average initiation fee for a golf club in China is $53,000, with one in ten clubs charging initiation fees exceeding $100,000. Annual subscriptions range from $1,500 to $4,000.
The average cost of playing an 18-hole weekend round in China is $161, including green fees, cart fees, and caddy tips. This is higher than the average green fee in Dubai, which is $152.
