Downtown Golf

Verdict

While SGC has had longer than most in getting things right, other Guangdong clubs could do with taking a leaf out of SGC’s book. Yes, the club has the definite advantage of cash – membership fees are high without being exorbitant, while visitor green fees are pretty much the most expensive in Shenzhen – but they appear to have spent money in the right manner. Course maintenance is routinely first-class and sound service ensures that everything runs smoothly – at least most of the time. Of course, the most significant advantage the club has is the course itself: the A/B layout is the toughest of the three combinations, while the B/C course offers the most variety. Undisputedly pricey, but its convenient not to mention jaw-dropping location makes it worth the splurge. A must-play – more so now than ever. Rumours abound that the club’s lease is set to expire in the not too distant future, and given the increased value of the land that the club occupies, getting an extension to that lease will likely be a tough proposition.

Need to Know

Shenzhen Golf Club

Green Fees (Visitors): RMB1,360 / 2,190 (WD/WE – includes caddie and cart fee).
Getting There: A taxi from the stand at the Huanggang border takes approximately eight minutes and costs RMB30 each way.
Contact: Shennan Road, Futian, Shenzhen; Tel: +86 (0)755 330 8888

Yardage: 7,169/6,631. Par: 72. (A/B Course).
Course Rating: 72.5/69.9
Architects: Isao Aoki (1985) / Nelson & Haworth (2000).