Kau Sai Chau – The Jockey Club Public Golf Course
By Mareli Joubert – Hong Kong Golf and Tennis Academy
Hong Kong is home to more than just high rises and great food. It has some spectacular golf courses ranging from fantastic parkland layouts to courses built and shaped all along the stunning coastline.
I decided to venture to Kau Sai Chau, which is the only public golf course in Hong Kong. It boasts three very different courses – namely North, East and South courses. The North and South courses were designed by Gary Player and the East course was designed by Nelson & Haworth. Having played all three courses, I decided to share some highlight of my favourite… the North Course.
As I mentioned, the North Course was designed by our very own Gary Player and is a walking-only course. It provides a great test for golf as well as a great cardio work out, with some rather intense walks from tee to green. Measuring at 6, 357 yards (5, 813m) from the club tees it requires a selection of clubs used from the tee which is a great test for golfers of all skill levels. Whether starting on first or tenth, neither one of these holes are an easy start.
Hole 1:
A strong opening par 5, measuring a massive 523 yards, with penalty areas protecting the right-hand side of the fairway and grass embankments lining the left-hand side. A good drive is needed to set you up for a desirable layup distance. Placing further back leaves a tricky layup shot between two penalty areas on an upslope. The green is guarded by a bunker on the right and a steep embankment behind the green so below the hole is definitely the way to go!
Hole 10:
At 450 yards this par 4 is not to be taken lightly! Playing slightly downhill, it requires clever play from the tee, as the prevailing wind is sometimes in your favour, but that brings the right-hand undergrowth into play. The pin position on this hole has a huge effect on what players face on the second shot! A pin tucked left, brings the water penalty area into play with the flag in the middle. To the right, it is guarded by well-placed bunkers. Take your par on this hole and run!
The par 3’s are a great test for your mid-iron accuracy and the par 4’s can be played with anything from a driver to a 5-iron, to ensure optimum playing position. Wintertime is the preferred time to play, as the temperatures are fantastic with little to no humidity. Summer is the rainy season and a completely different ball game with higher temperatures and humidity like I have never experienced in all my life!
This is definitely a course to add onto your bucket list if you are planning a trip to Hong Kong!
