Good morning,

Forget everything you thought you knew about golf. While the US, UK, and Ireland have long been the traditional heartlands of the sport, Asia is not just catching up, it's redefining the game with jaw-dropping courses that are part playground, part architectural marvel.

This week, I’m diving deep into the continent's most luxurious golfing experiences five extraordinary courses that prove golf is no longer just a game, but a premium lifestyle statement. No membership required. No exclusive club politics. Just pure, unadulterated golfing excellence that proves the old adage: in golf, as in life, you absolutely get what you pay for. We're talking about courses so spectacular, the green fee is basically your ticket to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In Today’s Email

• ✋🏽 Top 5 most expensive golf courses to play

This Week in Golf 

Major championship golf will be over this weekend as the final major of the year takes place, the AIG Women’s Open in Royal Porthcawl, Wales.

• One Comp, One Win - Lottie Woad won her debut professional career, joining only a handful of players such as Rose Zhang who won the 2023 LPGA Tour's Mizuho Americas Open 

• Rory McIIroy Flex - Rory living his best life in Saint Tropez

• Happy Gilmore 2 - Filled with lots of cameo’s this is a must watch and go and watch the first if you haven’t already

 Our Fairway Feature: Seed Golf Balls

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Top 5 Most Expensive Non-Membership Golf Courses in Asia

Here are the top 5 most expensive golf courses in Asia that do not require membership, ranked by estimated overall cost for a single round including travel and accommodation:

1. Kawana Hotel Golf Course (Fuji Course), Japan

• Location: Ito, Shizuoka, Japan (southwest of Tokyo)

• Green Fees: Holiday: 63,700 JPY (approx. US$400). This fee includes green fee, caddie fee, sundry expenses, usage tax, and consumption tax.

• Additional Costs: Caddie fee is included in the green fee. Carts are not allowed on Fuji Course. Mandatory hotel stay.

• Food and Beverage Costs: Dinner at Main Dining is 18,000 JPY (approx. US$115) excluding 15% service charge. Let's estimate US$130

• Travel Expenses:

  • Flights (round-trip to Tokyo): US$700

  • Transportation (Tokyo to Ito and local): US$150

  • Accommodation (1 night at Kawana Hotel): US$250

  Total Estimated Travel & Accommodation: US$1100

  💵 Total: US$1630

Overall Experience: Kawana Hotel Golf Course boasts two exceptional courses, with the Fuji Course consistently ranked among the best in Asia. It offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean, known for its unique design, tight fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging greens. The mandatory hotel stay adds to the exclusive, resort-style experience, making it a truly luxurious splurge for golf enthusiasts seeking unparalleled scenery and a challenging round.

2. Sentosa Golf Club (Serapong Course), Singapore

• Location: Sentosa Island, Singapore

• Green Fees: Weekend/Holiday: SGD 578.88 (approx. US$430). Includes green fee and buggy fee.

• Additional Costs: Caddie fee: SGD 50 (approx.US$37) to be paid directly to caddie.

  • Caddie booking fee: SGD 21.60 (approx. US$21.60)

  • Rental golf set: SGD 108 (approx.US$80)

  • Shoes: SGD 20 (approx.US$15)

  Total Additional Costs: US$155

• Food and Beverage Costs: Average meal likely SGD 30−50+. Let's estimate US$40 for a meal and a drink.

• Travel Expenses:

  • Flights (round-trip to Singapore): US$700 (estimated, similar to other major Asian hubs)

  • Transportation (airport to Sentosa and local): US$50

  • Accommodation (1 night in Singapore): US$150 (mid-range)

  Total Estimated Travel & Accommodation: US$900

  💵 Total: US$1518

Overall Experience: Home to the SMBC Singapore Open, the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club is consistently ranked among the world's best. It is renowned for its immaculate conditioning, challenging layout, and stunning views of the Singapore skyline and South China Sea. Playing here offers an exclusive and prestigious golfing experience that justifies the cost through its world-class facilities and reputation.

3. Mission Hills Haikou (Lava Fields Course), China

• Location: Haikou, Hainan, China

• Green Fees: Lava Fields: 3,600 CNY (approx. US$500) for resort guests, includes shared cart and caddie.

• Additional Costs: Shared cart and caddie included in Lava Fields green fee. Single cart usage might incur additional 80 CNY (approx. US$11)

• Food and Beverage Costs: Resort dining, likely higher than average. Let's estimate US$60 for a meal and drinks.

• Travel Expenses:

  • Flights (round-trip to Haikou): US$700

  • Transportation (airport to Mission Hills): US$20

  • Accommodation (1 night at Mission Hills Resort): US$80

  Total Estimated Travel & Accommodation: US$800

  💵 Total: US$1371

Overall Experience: Mission Hills Haikou is the world’s largest golf resort, offering 10 courses designed by various golf legends. The Lava Fields course provides a unique golfing experience amidst volcanic rock landscapes. The resort offers luxurious facilities, spas, and accommodation, making it a major golf destination. The sheer scale and variety of courses, combined with top-tier amenities, make it a worthwhile indulgence.

4. The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip, Vietnam

• Location: Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Vietnam

• Green Fees: Weekend/Holiday: VND 6,150,000 (approx. US$245). Includes caddie and cart fees.

• Additional Costs: Caddie and cart fees are included in the green fee. Caddie tips are extra (estimate US$20).

• Food and Beverage Costs: Resort dining. Let's estimate US$50 for a meal and drinks.

• Travel Expenses:

  • Flights (round-trip to Ho Chi Minh City/nearby airport): US$700 (estimated)

  • Transportation (airport to Ho Tram): US$100 (estimated)

  • Accommodation (1 night at resort): US$100 (estimated)

  Total Estimated Travel & Accommodation: US$900

  💵Total: US$1215

Overall Experience: Designed by Greg Norman, The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip is consistently ranked among the best courses in Vietnam and Asia. It offers a stunning coastal links-style experience with dramatic ocean views. As part of a larger integrated resort, it provides luxury accommodation and amenities. The unique design and breathtaking scenery make it a memorable and worthwhile golfing adventure.

5. Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, Sri Lanka

• Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

• Green Fees: Weekend: US$100

• Additional Costs:

  • Caddie fee: LKR 560 (approx. US$1.80)

  • Club set hire: LKR 7500 (approx. US$24).

  • Cart not mandatory, but available (not sure on this one but won’t be much)

• Food and Beverage Costs: Restaurant available, described as having "fine food, reasonable prices." Let's estimate US$30 for a meal and drinks.

• Travel Expenses:

  • Flights (round-trip to Colombo): US$700

  • Transportation (Colombo to Nuwara Eliya): US$110

  • Accommodation (1 night in Nuwara Eliya): US$80

  Total Estimated Travel & Accommodation: US$890

  💵Total: US$1056

Overall Experience: Established in 1889, Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is one of Asia’s oldest and most picturesque courses. Located at 1,890m above sea level, it offers stunning views and a unique golfing experience in a cool climate. It is known for its challenging layout and well-maintained greens, providing a historical and scenic round of golf that offers a distinct experience compared to modern resort courses.

Yes, these figures are averages. Travel costs are based on estimated round-trip international flights (mid-range prices from major hubs in the US, Europe, or Asia), ground transportation to and from the course or hotel, and one night's accommodation near the course (unless staying at the resort is mandatory). Green fees reflect the cost of a single round of golf, using the higher or more representative rate between weekday and weekend pricing.

Until next time

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The Caddie