The Hong Kong Golf Club — Old Course Golf Course

— About

About The Hong Kong Golf Club — Old Course Golf Course

The Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling is among the oldest and most prestigious golf institutions in Asia, founded in 1889 and established at its current Fanling site in 1911. The Old Course, spread across rolling countryside in the New Territories, plays through mature trees and immaculate fairways that seem worlds away from the urban density of Hong Kong just minutes to the south. The course's history is as storied as any in the region — it has hosted the Hong Kong Open continuously since 1959, making it the longest-running professional event in Asian golf. The layout combines classic parkland architecture with tight, tree-lined corridors and subtle green complexes that reward precision and course knowledge. As one of just a handful of courses in Hong Kong, access to the club is highly exclusive, but the setting in the Fanling countryside — with its quiet lanes, old clubhouse, and impeccable conditioning — makes it one of Asia's true golf treasures.

— History

History of The Hong Kong Golf Club — Old Course

The Hong Kong Golf Club (then the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club) was founded in 1889 and initially played on several sites including Happy Valley before settling at Fanling in 1911. The Fanling estate was developed progressively, with three 18-hole courses established over the decades. The Old Course, developed from the club's original routing at the site, has undergone modifications over the years but retains the character of its Edwardian origins — tree-lined corridors, modest bunkering, and greens that reward approach play over power. The Hong Kong Open, continuously held at Fanling since 1959, makes this the longest-running professional event in Asian golf.

— Signature Holes

Signature Holes at The Hong Kong Golf Club — Old Course

The par-4 4th descends through mature trees with the second shot played across a natural hollow to an elevated green — a classic parkland approach hole that rewards precise distance control. The par-3 15th plays through a gap in the trees to a green surrounded by bunkers, with the course's quiet Fanling countryside visible beyond. The par-4 18th returns to the clubhouse up a gentle hill through century-old trees, ending a round in an atmosphere of complete tranquillity surprising in one of Asia's densest cities.

— Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit The Hong Kong Golf Club — Old Course

October through March is the most comfortable season in Hong Kong's humid subtropical climate, with temperatures in the 15–25°C range and lower humidity. April through September is hot and humid, with the typhoon season (June–September) adding potential disruption. Winter rounds at Fanling are among the most pleasant golf experiences in Asia — cool, clear, and quiet.

— Practical Tips

Tips for Playing The Hong Kong Golf Club — Old Course

The Hong Kong Golf Club is private and accessible only by member invitation or guest introduction. The Fanling campus is in the New Territories, approximately 40 minutes from Kowloon by KCR East Rail to Fanling station followed by a short taxi. Golf travel companies occasionally offer access through associate memberships for serious visitors.

— Highlights

Why Play The Hong Kong Golf Club — Old Course

• ▸ Founded 1889 — among the oldest golf clubs in Asia with continuous operation
• ▸ Host of the Hong Kong Open since 1959 — the longest-running professional event in Asian golf
• ▸ 18-hole Old Course set in peaceful Fanling countryside, New Territories
• ▸ Immaculate parkland conditioning in a remarkably tranquil setting for Hong Kong
• ▸ Accessible only to members and their guests — one of Asia's most exclusive clubs

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about The Hong Kong Golf Club — Old Course

Can visitors play The Hong Kong Golf Club?

The Hong Kong Golf Club is private and accessible only through member invitation or a formal guest arrangement. Direct visitor bookings are not available.

When was the Hong Kong Open first held?

The Hong Kong Open has been held continuously at Fanling since 1959, making it the longest-running professional golf event in Asia.

How do I get to the Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling?

Take the MTR East Rail Line to Fanling station (approximately 40 minutes from Kowloon), then a 5-minute taxi to the club.

What is the best time to visit Hong Kong for golf?

October through March offers the most comfortable conditions — cool, clear days with temperatures of 15–25°C and low humidity, in contrast to the hot, humid, and typhoon-prone summer months.