Digging Up Golf Courses in China
Back in one of my earliest (and probably longest) posts in June 2006, I relayed my first experience of
playing golf in China. It was at Camdour Harbour Golf Club on one of the hottest, muggiest days I can ever remember. And I had to walk! The course only had one golf cart, and I guess you had to reserve it months in advance!
But I was baffled by the homes around the course. They were large, but mostly unoccupied and in poor condition. I later learned the course and development had been in a debate over legality of the seizure of the land from previous farm owners. It seems many golf courses in China have been developed in illegal manners. And the government is taking some action.
My daughter was good enough to make me aware of a great review of the situation. The
Slate wrote the great article about
The Forbidden Game! They principally focus on the fate of the Anji King Valley Country Club, where "more than a dozen bulldozers" recently stormed the course one morning and plowed up the fairways. Only the greens and tee boxes were sparred. Negotiations are ongoing to reopen the course again soon. See pictures
here.
But the government actually banned golf development in 2004. In the meantime, the boom in golf in China has been greater than anywhere in the world - even if much of the development is illegal.
The government is trying to assure sufficient farm lands are available to feed the huge growing population. There are other illegal land uses, but golf courses are a good political target. But many government officials are behind the growing popularity too. It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out.
Labels: China golf
Seen in Guangdong News
Recent posts regarding Guangdong:
Labels: China golf, Dongguan, Guangdong, Guangdong News
HIllview in Golf Magazine
I was waiting in one of those tiny patient rooms for a doctor today. I have to do that way too much with my health issues. At least they had one old ragged issue of
Golf magazine in the rack!
I flipped it open to one of the first pages and there before me was a double spread picture that seemed vaguely familiar. It was a golf course and scene I recognized! Reading the caption block, it said it was golfers at the
Dongguan Hillview Golf Club, teed up at night, and in the rain! By golly, I've done that there!! Its the Hillview!!!
How had I not heard about this mention, ............ in
Golf magazine no less. (For those looking to find it, it was the September 2008 issue, and close to the front in the Teeing Off section.)
But the caption went on to mention that "Rumor has it they have great General Tso's chicken at the halfway house." ........Huh? First off,
General Tso's chicken is one of those Americanized dishes called Chinese. I don't think you can get chicken that sweet anywhere in China. And as for food at a halfway house, good luck with that too. All I ever saw were bananas, apples, and chocolate bars. You could get some good dishes in the clubhouse, but not at any halfway house at Hillview. Not when I played there! Great golf, but not great on food. But watch out if you want to try the night golf - it's impossible to read greens, and mosquitos are worse than ever then!
Labels: China golf, Dongguan, Hillview Golf Club
Champagne & Golf - Starting the New Year Right
Now I’ve said it before, but golf in China is extra special. The courses are great. The weather is usually good. The caddies make it easy and fun. But it’s the company that really separates it. Our group of guys that plays regularly really enjoys each others company. And we have a great day of golf every time out! New Years Day set a new high mark. Where else do you start a round of golf on New Years Day with sunny skies and champagne! Yes, champagne.
You see one of the pleasures of our outings is in not only the good company of our partners, but in who our partners are. And one of our playing partners is chef at a nearby hotel. So, on New Years Day…….. He brought champagne!
Of course, the golf club was only able to provide us with paper cups for the occasion, but it was the thought, and it was good champagne!
Golf was great too, even though the team led by the evil Brits won again. Oh well, we had a great time just the same.
More photos of the golf available by clicking here, or checking the link in the right column.
Labels: China golf, Dongguan, Golf, Life in China
