It started, as these things often do, with a conversation over dinner.

We were in Sydney, catching up with an old friend when introductions were made—and the usual back-and-forth about golf courses, business, and travel began to flow. Somewhere between the wine being poured and the main course arriving, a name was mentioned. A familiar one.

As it turned out, we shared a mutual connection with the newly appointed Director Of Golf at what is widely regarded as China’s most exclusive golf club. A place so private, even well-connected locals struggle to secure a tee time. We hadn’t gone into the evening expecting anything of the sort—but the conversation meandered, as good ones do, and by the time dessert was served, we were discussing tee times.

There was, of course, one condition: keep it small. A maximum of a dozen guests, carefully chosen. No marketing. No public fanfare. Just a quiet nod of approval, and access to a world very few ever see.

Because in a country known for discretion and grandeur, China’s most elite golf clubs are not just private—they’re virtually invisible. These are not venues you’ll find in glossy travel brochures or listed on booking platforms. In fact, even some of China’s most well-connected citizens find the gates closed.

These courses were never meant for the public. Built as sanctuaries for business elites, political dignitaries, and high-ranking insiders, they reflect a philosophy where golf is more than sport—it’s a statement of status, culture, and exclusivity.

Access is guarded not just by membership fees, but by relationships, tradition, and national pride. They operate with quiet distinction, rarely opening their doors to overseas guests, and are known within inner circles as some of the finest designs in all of Asia.

Shanghai Links — Wind-Shaped and Unseen

Positioned along the windswept coast, Shanghai Links is a course few have seen and even fewer have played. Built as a pure links layout, it draws its character from the sea breeze and rugged topography, reminiscent of Scotland but rendered in China’s own coastal vernacular.

Once briefly known to the public, it has since retreated into near-total seclusion. Today, its reputation is kept alive only by whispers within the global golf elite. Among collectors of rare rounds, a tee time here is a trophy of status. The course is consistently ranked among China’s finest—though good luck finding those rankings published anywhere official.

An Ying Links — China’s Crown Jewel

Formerly known as Langhai International (Yangtze Dunes), An Ying Links is the undisputed crown jewel of Chinese golf. Built with architectural precision and artistic flair, it is a modern links course that rivals the likes of Kingsbarns or Bandon Dunes.

Yet, its global anonymity is not due to lack of merit—it’s by design. Reserved for those with deep connections and cultural currency, An Ying Links rarely, if ever, welcomes international visitors. Even golf course raters and ranking committees have struggled to access it.

Insiders know the truth: this is China’s #1 golf course, and among the most impressive anywhere in Asia. To play here is not simply to enjoy a round—it is to be initiated into a sacred tradition.

West Lake International — Championship-Calibre Beauty

Nestled in the hills outside Hangzhou, West Lake International Golf Club merges championship calibre with cinematic beauty. The course winds through lush forest, past shimmering lakes, and up dramatic terrain—framing every shot with natural elegance.

It’s not just the landscape that sets it apart; West Lake has hosted elite competitions such as the Hangzhou Open, attracting top-tier talent from across the region. Immaculately maintained and quietly revered, it embodies what many believe golf in China could become—if it weren’t so hidden.

Fuchun Resort — Golf Among Tea Fields and Mountains

A few miles away lies Fuchun Resort, a course unlike any other. Built on an ancient tea plantation, its fairways meander through terraced hills and misty mountains, evoking the poetic spirit of classical Chinese landscape paintings.

The experience here is as much about the setting as the sport. Each hole offers panoramic views, birdsong echoes through the valley, and the scent of tea leaves drifts across the breeze. For those fortunate enough to play here, it’s a meditative journey—a tranquil conclusion to a tour defined by rarity and reverence.

Why These Courses Remain Hidden
The privacy surrounding these clubs is not incidental—it’s part of their identity. In China, golf at this level is deeply intertwined with business, protocol, and prestige. Access is based not on price, but on position.

This makes them some of the hardest tee times to secure anywhere in the world—and part of what makes playing them such an extraordinary experience.