Discovery Bay (Ruby & Diamond)

Discovery Bay is set on the northeast coast of Lantau Island, the largest of Hong Kong’s outlying islands. Surrounded by the South China Sea, the Discovery Bay residential resort is unique and it’s the only residential development in Hong Kong that can boast its own 27-hole golf course. With four clubs to choose from, including a residents club, marina club, leisure club and of course a golf club, Discovery Bay offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

The original 18-hole course at Discovery Bay Golf Club was routed across the mountainous site by Robert Trent Jones Jnr in 1983 and an additional 9 holes (now called Jade) were added nine years later. Discovery Bay is currently open to non-members on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Each of the three 9-hole loops – Ruby, Diamond and Jade – represent an interesting and varied challenge although the Jade course is slightly shorter than the other two with par set at 35. However, the Jade is by no means the easier of the three layouts as it features a number of challenging doglegs where position off the tee is all-important.

The Diamond (now the back nine) is the toughest loop with dramatic elevation changes and slick, undulating greens. The Ruby is the more forgiving course from the tee but it perhaps offers the most dramatic views of Victoria Harbor, Sunset Peak and the South China Sea from its elevated fairways.

One of the 9-hole loops closes for play during weekdays, so as a visitor you will have to take pot luck as to which 18-hole combination is open that week.