Shek O

Hong Kong Island lies just off the Kowloon Peninsula, connected to the mainland by tunnels, with Shek O Country Club overlooking the Tathong Channel to the southeast of the island, between Big Wave Bay and Shek O Beach.

The course somehow clings to the rugged clifftops running along the coastline, with just enough space within a very constricted property to set out eighteen short holes – eleven par fours and seven par threes – that extend to 4,644 yards and play to a par of 65.

There are no par fives on the layout, only two of the par fours measure more than 350 yards (indeed five of them are less than 300 yards in length) and back-to-back par three holes are played on only one occasion, at the 6th and 7th.

Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast design has been consulting here since the start of the new millennium, upgrading and developing the course in a progressive manner to greatly improve playing surfaces and on course safety.

Shek O’s been described as “one of the nicest golf experiences in Hong Kong, a very short layout with the front nine overlooking the ocean and the back nine winding its way around a very tranquil and peaceful valley, making for a very nice golf day out.”

The clubhouse is unpretentious, with a casual, unhurried atmosphere and a laid back atmosphere. There are no golf carts in operation but you may hire a caddie if required. With a history dating back to 1921, Shek O is a “must play” if you’re ever invited.