GUANGZHOU GEMS

Two high-end golf clubs around the Guangdong capital reflect the strength of golf offerings in southern China.

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It's been a couple of years since China opened up its golf courses after the pandemic, and truth be told, golfers are returning to the country in numbers. Over the last decade, many courses have closed due to the clamp down of illegally built and operated clubs across the country. Those that remain enjoy the growth in golf's popularity, in no small part enhanced by golfers like China's very own Yin Ruoning, the Rolex Testimonee and major winner.

With good weather through most of the year, Guangdong has the lion's share of golf courses in China. And around the capital of Guangzhou, golfers have the pick of the crop with more layouts than they can play any given week.

In a recent trip organised by Performance Motors Golf Association, we had the opportunity to visit several high-end clubs within an hour's drive from the Guangzhou business district. Customary to most PMGA-organised golf itineraries, they leave few stones unturned when selecting destinations. Their choices inevitably combine quality golf course design with a club environment that is worth experiencing on their own.

Royal International Golf Club is one that truly meets all requirements. The gigantic clubhouse, designed by RTKL Design Company from the US, breaks the skyline of the area with its anachronistic modern structure. Opened in 2012, the angular façade exudes a contemporary flair that carries through the interior of the multi-storey building.