🇭🇰 How to Play a Round of Golf in Hong Kong

How’s it going fellow golf hackers…?

Most golf courses around the world just require you to show up, pay green fees and you’re good to go. However, playing golf in Hong Kong (assuming you don’t have a membership or know someone who has a membership on one the exclusive golf courses) is not quite as straight forward as one might think. This week I’ll cover what is required, the hoops you need to jump through and the general process towards getting you on the only public golf course available. Hong Kong has a handful of golf courses however, the lack of space means there is only one public golf club, Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, which boasts three different unique golf courses designed by Gary Player (North and South Course) and Nelson & Haworth (East Course). Next time you have a friend, boss, colleague or relative planning to visit Hong Kong and you are craving a round of golf, be sure to share with them this week’s edition ahead of time so that they can successfully get their round in.

In Today’s Email

• 🏌🏼‍♂️ Step by Step guide of how to get set up to play a round of golf at the only public golf course in Hong Kong, Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course  

This Week in Golf 📰

Scottie Scheffler Strikes Again!
Scottie Scheffler is back in the winner’s circle with his first PGA Tour victory of the season! After an incredible first two days, he finished 18 under par, marking the lowest 36-hole total of his PGA Tour career. He finished the tournament at 31 under par which was 8 shots clear.

• Hull Quitting Nicotine: After making headlines last summer for lighting up during a U.S. Women's Open autograph session, Hull is taking on a new challenge. She’s placed a $12,500 (£10,000) wager with a friend that she can quit nicotine for good.

• Liv Golf in South Korea: Bryson DeChambeau got the win at the stunning Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon, Golf Digest has named it the fourth-best course in South Korea! I’ll definitely dive deeper into this gem soon. Oh, and did I mention there?

• Rory McIIroy on Jimmy Kimmel: Rory McIlroy shared the heartwarming five-word text Tiger Woods sent him after his Masters win and recreated his famous washing machine video from when he was an eight-year-old.

 Our Fairway Feature: Dim Sum Golf Club

When you think Hong Kong one of the reasons it’s famous is for Dim Sum. Historically from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many dim sum chefs migrated to Hong Kong during the Chinese Civil War. Hong Kong holds a reputation as Dim Sum capital, however this golf brand has nothing to do with Dim Sum per se. The brand symbolizes social connection, community, and enjoyment-values that align closely with the spirit of golf. They encapsulate this with their fun and light hearted phrase “Lose some, win some, dim sum!”

Check them out here: 👉 Dim Sum Golf Club 

Getting on Kau Sai Chau Golf Course: What You Need to Know!

Step 1: Registration with Kau Sai Chau Golf Course

To begin your journey, you’ll need to register with Kau Sai Chau. Here’s how:

•⁠ ⁠Visit Kau Sai Chau’s registration page.

•⁠ ⁠Fill in your details and complete the registration process.

•⁠ ⁠Once registered, you’ll receive login credentials and a KSC number. This number is essential for booking rounds, so keep it safe.

Timeframe: You should receive your login credentials within 1-2 business days. If you don’t hear back within this time, follow up by emailing their support team or giving them a call.

Step 2: Upload Handicap Evidence

Once your KSC account is set up, you’ll need to log in and upload evidence of your golf handicap. Navigate to the ‘My Account’ section and upload one of the following:

1.⁠ ⁠A valid handicap certificate from the Golf Association of Hong Kong, China (GAHKC).

2.⁠ ⁠A valid handicap certificate from a recognized golfing body or organization (e.g. GHIN by USGA, R&A, Golf RSA, Golf Australia etc).

3.⁠ ⁠A certificate showing you’ve passed the Kau Sai Chau ‘Golf Pass’ Course at their Golf Instruction Centre (this is more relevant for beginners and if you’re based in Hong Kong)

Important: KSC is very particular about handicap verification. They prefer handicaps issued from a registered golfing body or organisation e.g. USGA, R&A, Golf RSA, Golf Australia, EGA etc. or Golf Association of Hong Kong, China (GAHKC).

A quick and easy way to get one if you don’t have one of these but have a handicap with your private club is via the GHIN’s official website (USGA) which costs $60 per year.

What’s not accepted: Apps like ‘How Did I Do?’ are often rejected. They normally will not accept handicap certificates or cards issued by private golf clubs. Therefore upload a handicap certificate from your home club that clearly states it’s from a registered golfing body.

Timeframe: Once uploaded, KSC typically reviews your submission within 1-2 business days. If you don’t hear back, again reach out to them promptly.

Step 3: Booking Your Round

You will receive a confirmation email from KSC confirming your handicap has been approved/verified. With your handicap verified, you’re ready to book your round of golf. Log in to the KSC booking system using your KSC number and credentials.

Here are a few tips for successful booking:

Important Note: You can only book around a week in advance, therefore make sure you are set up even before this time if you are visiting Hong Kong.

•⁠ ⁠Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekday bookings are much easier to secure than weekends. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment. 

•⁠ ⁠No availability? If you can’t find a booking for your desired day, a local insider tip is using a golf booking agent. These agents specialize in securing tee times for a small fee, approx. 100 HKD (worth every penny). While there are no publicly listed golf agents specifically for booking Kau Sai Chau tee times online it can be done. If you’d like a number for an agent drop me an email and I’ll send you one 😉

•⁠ ⁠Exceptions - you can register as a golfer and make bookings without a handicap card or Golf Pass certificate. However you can only play on the South Course after 9:00 am on weekdays (except public holidays).

Step 4: Driving License Requirement

🤯 This one will shock most of you.

1. You require a Driving License in order to use their Golf Carts.

2. Only Hong Kong Local Driving Licenses or International Driving Licenses are accepted. They will not accept a non local driving license e.g. UK Driving License.

3. This only applies to South and East Course which use golf carts (Trust me, golf carts are essential. Don’t even think about tackling these two courses without one. Either get a license or team up with someone who has one), as for the North Course this is a non-cart golf course, and you must walk it therefore you either carry your bag or use a trolley (they have trolleys and electric trolleys to rent).

Summary of the Process

1.⁠ ⁠Register with KSC: Takes about 1-2 business days to receive login details. Follow up if there’s a delay.

2.⁠ ⁠Upload Handicap Evidence: Upload your certificate to the ‘My Account’ section. Allow another 1-2 business days for verification. Must be GAHKC or from a registered golfing body or organisation.

3.⁠ ⁠Book Your Round: Log in and book—weekdays are easiest. Remember: You can only book around a week in advance. If no availability, consider using a booking agent.

Final Tips

•⁠ ⁠Be proactive: If you haven’t heard back from KSC after uploading your handicap or registering, don’t hesitate to contact them. They’re responsive via email or phone.

•⁠ ⁠Easy and quick workaround: If you don’t already have a handicap, get one through GHIN for just $60/year. It’s a straightforward process and widely accepted. Put in scores which reflect your handicap (if you don’t a handicap I’d recommend aiming for handicap 30-36 reflected in your scorecards) ask a golfing mate to help if you’re still not sure.

•⁠ ⁠Driving License: Ensure you either have a Hong Kong Driving License or International Driving License in order to drive a golf cart. They do not accept local driving licenses e.g. UK Driving License

And yes, that’s all! As mentioned, it’s not the typical way to access a course, but I promise it’s worth all the hassle. As far as public courses go, KSC is an amazing golf course with exceptional and stunning views.

Ferry Information and Green Fees

One of the coolest things about Kau Sai Chau Golf Course is that it’s on an island! The ferry runs between Sai Kung and Kau Sai Chau every 20 minutes from morning until evening, with a quick 15-minute ride each way. After 8:00 pm, it shifts to every 30 minutes. You’ll catch the ferry from the Golf Course Pier in Sai Kung, right by the Golf Course car park. Once you land on Kau Sai Chau, there’s a shuttle bus to take you to the golf course admin building.

Ferry Schedule:

• From Sai Kung: 6:40 am to 7:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) every 20 minutes. On Fridays to Sundays and public holidays, it runs until 9:00 pm, with 30-minute gaps after 8:00 pm.

• From Kau Sai Chau: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm every 20 minutes, and on weekends and public holidays, it goes until 10:00 pm with the same 30-minute intervals after 8:00 pm.

Fares:

• Regular: HK$85 round trip

• Junior (under 12): HK$45

• Senior (60 and over): HK$45

• Special evening price from 7:20 pm: Regular HK$55, Junior and Senior HK$20

Green Fees

Here’s what it’ll cost you to play a round at Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course:

East Course (18 holes):

• Regular: HK$1,020 on weekdays, HK$1,190 on weekends and public holidays

• Regular (Non-HKID Card Holder): HK$1,280 on weekdays, HK$1,610 on weekends and public holidays

• Senior (60+): HK$920 on weekdays (excluding Public holidays)

• Junior (under 21): HK$450 on weekdays, HK$535 on weekends and public holidays

• Junior (under 21, Non-HKID Card Holder): $565 on weekdays, HK$715 on weekends and public holidays

South/North Course (18 holes):

• Regular: HK$870 on weekdays, HK$1,040 on weekends and public holidays

• Regular (Non-HKID Card Holder): HK$1,130 on weekdays, HK$1,460 on weekends and public holidays

• Senior (60+): HK$770 on weekdays (excluding Public holidays)

• Junior (under 21): HK$385 on weekdays, HK$465 on weekends and public holidays

• Junior (under 21, Non-HKID Card Holder): $500 on weekdays, HK645 on weekends and public holidays

South Course (Twilight)

• Regular: HK$565 on Fridays (excluding Public Holidays), HK$685 on Saturdays

• Regular (Non-HKID Card Holder): HK$760 on Fridays (excluding Public Holidays), HK$1,020 on on Saturdays

• Senior (60+): HK$490 on Fridays (excluding Public Holidays)

• Junior (under 21): HK$270 on Fridays (excluding Public Holidays), HK$340 on Saturdays

• Junior (under 21, Non-HKID Card Holder): $360 on Fridays (excluding Public Holidays), HK480 on Saturdays

South Course (9 holes):

• Regular: HK$475 on weekdays, HK$550 on weekends and public holidays

• Regular (Non-HKID Card Holder): HK$635 on weekdays, HK$815 on weekends and public holidays

• Senior (60+): HK$415 on weekdays (excluding Public Holidays)

• Junior (under 21): HK$230 on weekdays, HK$255 on weekends and public holidays

• Junior (under 21, Non-HKID Card Holder): $305 on weekdays, HK370 on weekends and public holidays

And there you have it, the next time you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong and want to play a round of golf, give yourself at least a week to get your ducks in a row and be sure to share this with a friend.

Catch you next week…

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The Caddie