The Nelson and Haworth layout at Wind Valley in Shenzhen is probably loved and loathed by golfers in equal measure. It’s an extreme mountain course with extraordinary elevation changes which some will find thrilling while others will question the validity of building such an extreme test.
Overall rating

The Nelson and Haworth layout at Wind Valley in Shenzhen is probably loved and loathed by golfers in equal measure. It’s an extreme mountain course with extraordinary elevation changes which some will find thrilling while others will question the validity of building such an extreme test.

Wind Valley (Member)
Thrill Seekers and Purists Clash on Wind Valley's Extreme Mountain Course:
Wind Valley's Nelson and Haworth layout is not for the faint of heart. Nestled amidst dramatic mountain peaks in Shenzhen, it's a golf course that evokes strong emotions in players, drawing both fervent acclaim and fierce criticism.
For the adrenaline junkies, Wind Valley is a playground. The course's defining feature is its extreme elevation changes. Imagine teeing off on a cliff face, with the fairway hundreds of feet below, disappearing into a valley shrouded in mist. Every hole is a breathtaking rollercoaster, demanding precision and courage in equal measure. Hit a perfect shot, and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment that's hard to beat.
But for purists, Wind Valley is a bridge too far. Some argue that the course's excessive difficulty sacrifices the essence of golf. The steep inclines, strategically placed bunkers, and unforgiving rough turn every hole into a battle for survival. Even the most skilled golfers can find themselves cursing the course's unforgiving nature, questioning whether the thrill outweighs the frustration.
The debate rages on: Is Wind Valley a masterpiece of design, pushing the boundaries of what a golf course can be? Or is it a gimmick, sacrificing playability for spectacle? Ultimately, the answer lies in the individual golfer's preferences.
Getting there
Wind Valley (Member)
Guangdong Province 518083, China
octeast.com/about_course/qiu-chang-jie-shao.html+86 (0) 755 2888 1111World Top 100 Golf Courses
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
Cypress Point Club
California, United States
Pine Valley Golf Club
New Jersey, United States
Royal County Down (Championship)
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
New York, United States
National Golf Links of America
New York, United States