Best Golf Courses in Asia
Ancient landscapes, world-class design
Asia's golf scene spans ancient island cultures and the world's most rapidly developing economies. The region has produced courses of genuine global distinction — particularly in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia — where meticulous conditioning meets dramatic natural landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world.
— Top 10 Rankings
Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Asia
Updated
About Golf Courses in Asia
Ancient landscapes, world-class design. From the dramatic coastal dunes of Hainan in China to the meticulous private clubs of Japan, Asia's golf scene has produced some of the most visually spectacular courses in the world.
Golf arrived in Asia through British colonial administration in the 19th century, taking root first in Sri Lanka, Karachi, Hong Kong, and Singapore before spreading across the Pacific rim. Japan embraced the game with characteristic thoroughness, and the quality of Japanese course conditioning is considered by many architects to be the finest in the world. The past two decades have seen explosive growth in South Korea and China, with ambitious resort developments bringing international architects to design courses on spectacular coastal and mountain terrain. South Korea in particular has produced players of the highest calibre — the LPGA's Korean cohort has reshaped professional golf — and domestic golf culture is intensely competitive. Southeast Asian resort golf, from Thailand and Vietnam to Bali, offers exceptional value and tropical conditions that attract visiting golfers from across the region. Travel planning in Asia requires attention to climate zones. Japan's golf season peaks in spring (cherry blossom) and autumn; summer is hot and humid, typhoon season affects late summer. Thailand is best visited from November through February to avoid monsoon rains, and the Gulf and northern India from late autumn to early spring, away from the summer heat. For Japan in particular, book well in advance — access to private clubs requires a member introduction, and even resort courses fill quickly during peak periods.
- Ranked courses
- 86
- Course styles
- parkland 53 · coastal 15 · desert 9
- Access
- resort 29 · private 28 · semi-private 21
- Opened
- 1879–2018
- Playable without membership
- 58 of 86
— By Country
Golf Courses in Asia by Country
— Also in Asia