Jackson Reid
Golf in China has experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows throughout the years, from being outlawed in the mid-20th century to soaring in popularity in the early 2000s. While it is considered a rich person's game, with high fees and memberships, the number of golf courses has been steadily increasing, especially in the province of Hainan, which is known for its world-class facilities and picturesque courses. Despite the sport attracting foreign investment and overseas golfers, it faces challenges due to environmental impact concerns and the lack of accessibility for the general public.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf's popularity in China | Soared in the early 2000s, but has declined since |
| Golf as a sport in China | Seen as a rich man's sport, expensive and not accessible to the public |
| Number of golf courses in China | 170 in 2004, almost 600 by 2009, 683 by January 2017 |
| Leading golf firms in China | Mission Hills |
| Number of core players in China (over 18, playing more than 8 rounds a year) | 358,000 in 2011, projected to grow to 20 million by 2020 |
| Golf courses in Hainan | Around 60 courses |
| Initiation fees for golf clubs in China | Up to US$1 million |
| Fees for guest golfers in China | $125 plus caddie on weekdays, $180 plus caddie on weekends |
| Successful Chinese golfers | Zhang Lianwei, Liang Wenchong, Shanshan Feng, Wu Ashun, Guan Tianlang |
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What You'll Learn
- Golf in China is expensive, with exclusive clubs charging high fees
- The sport is considered a rich person's game and is often associated with corruption
- There are over 500 golf courses in China, with Hainan leading the way
- Golf's popularity soared in the early 2000s, embraced by China's leaders
- Golf was outlawed in China during the mid-20th century as a ''sport for millionaires'
Golf in China is expensive, with exclusive clubs charging high fees
Golf in China is considered prohibitively expensive for the general public. However, it is a popular recreational sport among businesspeople and officials, and the country has attracted overseas golfers from countries such as South Korea, Australia, and Japan due to its relatively inexpensive fees.
The high cost of golf in China can be attributed to the exclusive nature of the sport and the high fees charged by golf clubs. The average price for a golf membership in China was US$53,000 in 2008, according to a survey by consultancy KPMG. This is significantly higher than the prices in other surveyed countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club, for example, charges an initiation fee of $170,000 with $1,800 in annual dues. Condos at this club can sell for up to $22 million. The green fee for guest golfers is $125 plus caddie on weekdays and $180 plus caddie on weekends. At this particular club, 40% of its 700 members are from overseas.
Another example is Shanghai's Sheshan International Golf Club, which hosts tournaments such as the HSBC Champions. The initiation fee at this club is $230,000.
The high fees associated with golf in China have contributed to the sport's reputation as a rich man's game. There is a lack of low-cost public courses in the country, which has led to golf being seen as a game with an aura of corruption and exclusivity.
Despite the high costs, golf is a growing industry in China, with numerous golf courses being established, especially in the province of Hainan. The number of golf courses in China has increased significantly since the first course was constructed in 1984, and the country now has around 500 golf courses catering to an estimated 800,000 golfers.
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The sport is considered a rich person's game and is often associated with corruption
Golf is considered a rich person's game in China due to the high costs involved. The average green fees for non-members are usually at least US$100, and often far more expensive. For example, at the Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club, the initiation fee is $170,000 with $1,800 in annual dues, and condos sell for $22 million. The green fee for guest golfers is $125 plus caddie on weekdays and $180 plus caddie on weekends. At the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, the initiation fee is $230,000. These high costs make golf inaccessible to many people in China, contributing to its perception as an exclusive and elitist sport.
The association of golf with corruption in China is often linked to the perception that it is a sport for the wealthy and influential. Golf courses and clubs are seen as environments where businessmen and officials interact and form connections that may lead to potential conflicts of interest. There have been concerns that these interactions could create opportunities for bribery and influence-peddling, with businesses using golf as a public relations tool to gain favour with officials. This perception has led to golf being included in anti-corruption discussions and disciplinary rulebooks in China, with a focus on transparency in decision-making processes to mitigate potential corruption.
The Chinese government, under President Xi Jinping, has actively addressed corruption, including within the golfing community. Xi's anti-corruption drive has resulted in the conviction of over 100,000 officials for various disciplinary infractions, including those related to golf. Despite this, the government has clarified that playing golf itself is not considered a wrongdoing, as long as officials pay out of their own pockets. This distinction highlights the effort to separate the sport from the potential misuse of power and influence that has contributed to its association with corruption.
The perception of golf as an elite sport in China has been challenged in recent years, particularly with the emergence of young, talented golfers like Guan Tianlang. Guan's achievements, such as winning the 2012 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at the age of 14 and becoming the youngest player to make the cut at a men's major championship, have inspired a new generation of Chinese golfers. His success has sparked a growing interest in golf among Chinese youngsters, suggesting a potential shift in the sport's perception and accessibility in the country.
While golf in China has historically been associated with wealth and corruption, there are indications of a changing landscape. With the emergence of talented golfers and a growing youth interest, golf may evolve beyond its elite status and become more accessible and mainstream in the country. However, the high costs of playing golf in China continue to contribute to the perception of it being a sport primarily for the rich, and the association with corruption persists due to the potential for misuse of power and influence within the golfing community.
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There are over 500 golf courses in China, with Hainan leading the way
Golf is a growing industry in China, with an estimated 500 golf courses in the country as of 2023. This number has increased significantly since 2004, when there were only 170 courses. The province of Hainan has been at the forefront of this growth, with its world-class golf courses and tournaments.
Hainan Island is a popular destination for golfers, with its stunning coastal scenery and high-quality golf facilities. The island is home to the Mission Hills Resort, a 5-star golf facility built on black volcanic rock. The resort features the Blackstone Course, a championship-length course designed by renowned golf architect Brian Curley. The course covers 350 acres of rugged landscape, including lava rock, lakes, and wetlands.
Hainan has also been the site of several prestigious golf tournaments. The Blue Bay LPGA, hosted on the island, has attracted top golfers from around the world. The Jian Lake Blue Bay golf course, located on Hainan Island and designed by Mark Hollinger of JMP Golf Design, is another popular destination for golfers.
In addition to Hainan, other regions in China have also experienced significant growth in the number of golf courses. Guangdong province, for example, has actively promoted golf and is now home to more than 70 golf clubs. The Spring City golf club, located 1,700 meters above sea level, features two championship courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones.
While the number of golf courses in China has grown, the sport is still considered prohibitively expensive for much of the general public. However, it is gaining popularity among businesspeople and officials, who view it as a top recreational activity. The number of golfers in China is expected to continue increasing, with estimates ranging from several hundred thousand to over a million.
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Golf's popularity soared in the early 2000s, embraced by China's leaders
During this boom, Dan Washburn wrote "The Forbidden Game," which captures the momentous changes happening in China at the time. It portrays the aspirations of the emerging middle class, with golf as the embodiment of the new Chinese dream. The sport was even taken up by China's leaders, with Zhu Rongji, a prominent figure, known to play.
The growth of golf in China attracted foreign investment and overseas golfers, particularly from countries like South Korea, Australia, and Japan, who were drawn by the relatively inexpensive fees. The construction of new golf courses and the emergence of world-class facilities, particularly in Hainan, contributed to the sport's popularity. Hainan, with its favorable climate, lush landscape, and clean air, became a popular destination for golfers from the mainland and abroad.
The popularity of golf in China also led to the emergence of successful Chinese golfers, such as Liang Wenchong, who became the first Chinese golfer to win a top pro event when he claimed the Chengdu Open in 2010. Shanshan Feng made history in 2012 by becoming the first Chinese golfer of either sex to win a major championship at the LPGA Championship. Other notable golfers include Wu Ashun, Christopher Tsui, and Guan Tianlang, who achieved remarkable feats on international tours and at a young age.
While golf in China has faced some setbacks, including the closure of 111 courses in 2017 due to water and land conservation concerns, it continues to hold a prominent position in the country's sports landscape, with major tournaments like the Volvo China Open and the rise of world-class golfing destinations like Mission Hills and Hainan's top-rated golf clubs.
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Golf was outlawed in China during the mid-20th century as a ''sport for millionaires'
Golf has had a tumultuous history in China. The sport, which some claim originated in China, was outlawed during the Communist rule in the mid-20th century, specifically in 1949, by Mao Tse-tung. It was deemed too "bourgeois" and a "sport for millionaires". This sentiment was echoed in the early 2000s when golf was seen as a symbol of aspiration and every township cadre wanted a golf course.
The ban on golf was lifted in 1984, and the first golf course in Communist China was constructed in Zhongshan, based on a design by Arnold Palmer. This sparked a boom in the sport's popularity, with Dan Washburn's book "The Forbidden Game" capturing the momentous changes happening in China at the time. The game was embraced by the country's highest leaders, and its exclusivity gave it an aura of corruption.
Golf's elite reputation was further solidified by the high costs associated with playing the sport. Green fees for non-members are typically at least US$100, and initiation fees at certain clubs can reach up to $230,000. These high costs have contributed to the perception of golf as a sport primarily for the wealthy, with few low-cost public courses accessible to the general public.
Despite the sport's expensive reputation, golf in China is a growing industry, with numerous golf courses being established, particularly in the province of Hainan, which is exempt from the nationwide ban on new golf course construction. In 2011, there were around 358,000 core players in China, with a growth rate of 7.5%. This growth has attracted foreign investment and overseas golfers from countries like South Korea, Australia, and Japan, who take advantage of the relatively inexpensive fees compared to other countries.
While golf in China has faced setbacks and controversies, it has also produced several successful Chinese golfers, including Zhang Lianwei, Liang Wenchong, Shanshan Feng, and Wu Ashun, who have achieved notable victories in international tournaments.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf is not a mainstream sport in China, and it is considered prohibitively expensive for most of the general public. However, it is a popular recreational sport for businesspeople and officials, and it is growing in popularity.
There are around 500 golf courses in China as of 2024. The number of golf courses has been increasing, despite a 2004 ban that limits their construction due to environmental impact concerns.
Some notable golf courses in China include the Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, which is the world's largest golfing complex with 12 courses, and the Yalong Bay Golf Club in Hainan, which was the first course in China to make Golf Magazine's 'Top 100 Courses in the World' in 2013.
