Jackson Reid
Golf in China has experienced a surge in popularity, with a growing industry that has seen the establishment of numerous golf courses, particularly in Hainan. Despite being denounced by Mao and deemed a bourgeois pastime by the Communist Party, golf has attracted interest from both local players and foreign investors. The sport has become a symbol of economic growth and social change in China, with a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. With a mix of world-class facilities and local golfing circles, China is witnessing a shift in the perception and practice of the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses in 2004 | 170 |
| Number of golf courses in 2009 | 600 |
| Number of golf courses in 2017 | 683 |
| Number of golf courses in 2023 | 500 |
| Number of core players in 2011 | 358,000 |
| Number of core players in 2012 | 1,000,000 |
| Projected number of core players in 2020 | 20,000,000 |
| Average green fees for non-members | $100+ |
| Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club initiation fee | $170,000 |
| Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club annual dues | $1,800 |
| Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club condo price | $22,000,000 |
| Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club guest golfer green fee (weekday) | $125 + caddie |
| Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club guest golfer green fee (weekend) | $180 + caddie |
| Shanghai's Sheshan International Golf Club initiation fee | $230,000 |
| Hainan's Shanqin Bay Golf Club initiation fee | $1,000,000 |
| Yalong Bay Golf Club fees for guests (2023) | 880-1380 RMB |
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What You'll Learn
Golf's rapid growth in China
Golf in China has experienced rapid growth, with the sport soaring in popularity in the early 2000s. This growth is particularly remarkable given that golf was denounced as a bourgeois pastime by Mao and the Communist Party, and outlawed in the mid-20th century as a "sport for millionaires". Despite this, China has witnessed a boom in the construction of golf courses, with the number of courses tripling between 2005 and 2010 to over 600. This trend continued, and by January 2017, there were 683 golf courses in China, with all province-level divisions except Tibet having at least one course.
The sport is particularly popular among businesspeople and officials, attracting foreign investment and overseas golfers from countries like South Korea, Australia, and Japan due to its relatively inexpensive fees. The development of golf courses in China has led to the emergence of world-class facilities, with Hainan leading the way. Hainan, which is exempt from the nationwide ban on the creation of new golf courses, boasts around 60 courses, benefiting from its favourable climate and lush tropical landscape.
The growth of golf in China has also resulted in the rise of talented Chinese golfers. Liang Wenchong is one of the top Chinese golfers and the first to win a top pro event, claiming the Chengdu Open in 2010. Shanshan Feng became the first Chinese golfer of either sex to win a major championship when she secured the 2012 LPGA Championship. Other notable golfers include Wu Ashun, who has won three times on the European Tour, and Xi YuLin, who became the first Chinese winner of the Sanya Ladies Open in 2014.
While golf in China has predominantly been associated with the elite and super-rich, there are also efforts to make it more accessible. For example, the Yalong Bay Golf Club in Hainan, known for its picturesque design, offers relatively affordable fees for locals, especially during the off-season.
In conclusion, golf has undergone rapid growth in China, transforming from a denounced bourgeois pastime to a popular sport among certain segments of the population. This growth has been accompanied by the emergence of world-class facilities and golfers, solidifying China's position in the global golf landscape.
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Golf's elite status in China
Golf has long been associated with the elite in China, with the sport denounced by Mao as "bourgeois" and a “sport for millionaires". In the early 2000s, golf's popularity soared in China, embraced even by the country's highest leaders. Despite government restrictions on golf course development, the number of courses and players has increased significantly in recent years.
The average cost to play 18 holes in Shanghai is about RMB800 (US$123), or one-fourth the average urban Chinese citizen's monthly income. Green fees and memberships in China are often expensive relative to developed nations. 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. Condos at the club sell for $22 million.
The high cost of golf in China means that it remains an elite sport, and the exorbitant fees promise to keep it that way for the foreseeable future. More than 90% of golf courses in China follow the membership model, and most sell about 1,000 memberships per course. However, not every golf club member in China is getting out on the green. In fact, about 40% of memberships are sold to people who do not intend to play, either because they like the social status of membership or use it for gifts or favours, or are investors.
Golf courses in China are often located near urban centres in the country's east. Beijing has 59 golf courses, by far the most in China, followed by Guangdong with approximately 33 courses, and Shanghai with 21 courses. The Mission Hills Golf Club near Shenzhen has 12 courses, making it the world's largest golfing complex. The club's 12 courses span 7,320 yards and are designed by the likes of Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, and others. The complex's scale rivals a small town, with luxury amenities galore. Its strategic location near Hong Kong fuels its reputation as a business-golf nexus, attracting China's political and business elite.
China's rapid economic rise has led to a taste for luxury sports and leisure, and golf has become a symbol of the country's aspirations. Numerous world-class players have emerged from China, including Liang Wenchong, who became the first Chinese golfer to win a top pro event when he won the Chengdu Open in 2010. Shanshan Feng became the first Chinese golfer of either sex to win a major championship when she won the 2012 LPGA Championship.
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Golf's history in China
Golf has an interesting history in China, with some even claiming that the country invented the sport.
Chuiwan
The game of Chuiwan, which means "hit ball", was played in China as early as 1000 AD. The rules of Chuiwan are remarkably similar to modern golf. Players use a restricted number of clubs (up to 10 in Chuiwan, 14 in golf), holes are spread across terrains of varying difficulty and marked by coloured flags, and there is a strict etiquette and rules regarding player honesty, with penalties for cheating. The game's popularity peaked during the Song dynasty (960-1279 AD), with Emperor Huizong reported to have been a dedicated player. Chuiwan remained a favourite sport during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, but it steadily declined during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912) and eventually became a casual game for women and children.
Golf in Modern Times
In the mid-20th century, China outlawed golf, declaring it a "bourgeois" and "a sport for millionaires". It was banned by the Chinese Communist Party until the mid-1980s. The first golf course constructed in Communist-era China was the Chung Shan Hot Springs in Zhongshan, which opened in 1984. Since then, the number of golf courses in China has grown rapidly. By 2017, there were 683 golf courses in the country, with at least one in every province except Tibet. Hainan, in particular, has become a hub for golf in China, with around 60 courses and a favourable climate attracting golfers from across the region.
Golfing Talent
China has also produced several world-class golfers in recent years. Liang Wenchong became the first Chinese golfer to win a top pro event when he won the Chengdu Open in 2010. Shanshan Feng became the first Chinese golfer of either sex to win a major championship when she won the 2012 LPGA Championship. Wu Ashun has won three times on the European Tour and represented China at the 2016 Olympic Games. Guan Tianlang won the 2012 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at just 14 years old and became the youngest player ever to make the cut at a men's major championship the following year. On the women's side, Xi YuLin became the first Chinese winner of the Sanya Ladies Open in 2014, and several other female golfers from China have entered the top 100 rankings in recent years.
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Hainan: China's golfing hotspot
Golf in China has experienced a surge in popularity over the past two decades, with the number of golf courses in the country tripling between 2005 and 2010, reaching over 600. Despite a ban in 2004 due to environmental impact concerns, the province of Hainan has become the hotspot for golfing in China, with around 60 courses on the island.
Hainan's unique position as the only province in China exempt from the ban on new golf courses has allowed it to establish itself as the country's premier golfing destination. The island's favourable climate, lush tropical landscape, and clean air make it an ideal location for golfers.
One of the most renowned golfing destinations in Hainan is the Mission Hills Golf Club near Shenzhen, which boasts 12 courses, making it the world's largest golfing complex. The club was opened in 2006 and features designs by renowned golfers such as Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus.
Another notable golfing location in Hainan is the Yalong Bay Golf Club, which has become a symbol of China's newfound love for the sport. The 18-hole, par 72 championship course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., curves around the coast with the South China Sea on one side and mountains on the other. The course features picturesque elements such as waterfalls, rivers, palm trees, and arched bridges, providing a visually stunning experience for golfers.
In addition to its world-class facilities, Hainan has also produced some of China's top golfers, such as Zhang Lianwei, the country's first-ever professional golfer, and Liang Wenchong, who became the first Chinese golfer to win a top pro event when he claimed the Chengdu Open in 2010.
Despite the sport's growing popularity, golf in China is still largely considered a rich person's game due to the high costs associated with green fees, memberships, and real estate. However, with the emergence of world-class golfers and an increasing number of courses, it is evident that Hainan is leading the way in making China a significant player in the world of golf.
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Golf's environmental impact in China
Golf in China has experienced a surge in popularity, especially among the country's business elite, who view it as a way to flaunt their wealth. This popularity has led to the construction of numerous golf courses, particularly in the province of Hainan, which has been dubbed "the Hawaii of the East." However, this golf course construction boom has had significant environmental implications for the country.
In 2004, the Chinese government imposed a ban on building new golf courses due to concerns over their environmental impact. This ban was enacted to protect China's shrinking land and water resources, as the country is home to a fifth of the world's population but only has 7% of its water. The high water usage of golf courses, coupled with the use of fertilizers and pesticides, was causing water pollution and threatening China's already limited water supply.
Despite the ban, developers and local officials found ways to circumvent it, and the construction of golf courses continued. By 2009, there were almost 600 golf courses in China, and this number continued to grow. In 2014, the government took action, demolishing several golf courses and converting others into eco-friendly parks and plantations. In 2017, the government ordered the closure of 111 golf courses due to water and land conservation concerns, bringing the total number of courses in the country to around 500.
The environmental impact of golf courses in China has been a complex issue. On the one hand, the construction and maintenance of these courses have led to water pollution and the excessive use of limited water resources. On the other hand, some courses have been converted into eco-friendly spaces, and organizations like Audubon International are working to enhance the natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses can provide.
Overall, while golf has gained popularity in China, the country has struggled to balance this growing industry with the need to protect its environment and conserve limited resources. The government's efforts to enforce the 2004 ban and promote sustainable alternatives highlight the challenges of managing the environmental impact of golf course development.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf is a growing industry in China, with a boom in the number of golf courses being established across the country, especially in Hainan. In 2011, there were around 358,000 core players in China, with a growth rate of 7.5%, projected to grow to about 20 million by 2020.
Golf's popularity in China can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it is seen as a prestigious and recreational sport for businesspeople and officials. Secondly, it attracts foreign investment and overseas golfers due to its relatively inexpensive fees compared to other countries. Finally, China has produced several world-class golfers, such as Liang Wenchong and Shanshan Feng, which has likely inspired more people to take up the sport.
Some well-known golf courses in China include the Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest golf facility, and the Yalong Bay Golf Club in Hainan, known for its picturesque design and for hosting the Sanya Ladies Open. Other notable courses include the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai and the Shanqin Bay Golf Club in Hainan, which was the first course in China to make Golf Magazine's 'Top 100 Courses in the World'.
Golf in China can be expensive, with average green fees for non-members ranging from US$100 to several hundred dollars at more prestigious clubs. Initiation fees at some clubs can be as high as US$170,000, with additional annual dues and caddie fees. However, there are also more affordable options, especially at local clubs in Hainan, where fees can range from 880RMB to 1,380RMB.
