When you think about golf in Hong Kong, a 9-hole course probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
But Deep Water Bay is no ordinary 9-hole course.
Tucked away as an underrated gem on the beautiful south side of Hong Kong Island, this compact course is part of the Hong Kong Golf Club, whose history at Deep Water Bay dates back to 1898.
With mountains rising around you and the South China Sea nearby, it’s hard to believe you’re still in Hong Kong. We were curious to see how they managed to fit a golf course into such a small space—and even more curious to see what it would be like to play.
Deep Water Bay at a Glance
| Location | Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong Island |
| Holes | 9 holes, played twice for 18 |
| Par | 56 |
| Length | 3,155 yards (Blue tees) |
| Access | Visitors welcome Monday–Friday |
| Caddies | Available |
| Golf Carts | Not available |
| Address | 19 Island Road, Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong |
| Phone | +852 2812 7070 |
| Website | Official Hong Kong Golf Club website |
Playing Golf at Deep Water Bay
After checking in, we warmed up with a few putts on the perfect-speed putting green and made our way to the first tee. We were eager to see what this compact little course was all about.
With just nine holes played twice from different tees, Deep Water Bay is very different from most courses we’ve played. There are eight par 3s and just one par 4, all packed into a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains on three sides and the South China Sea on the other.
A Beautiful Walk Through the Valley
The first hole is an 89-yard par 3 that plays 105 yards from the back tee on the second loop. There’s a bunker well short of the green, which makes the hole look shorter than it actually is.
We both made bogeys and were ready to see more.
Holes five through seven were one of our favorite stretches. These three par 3s take you into the deepest part of the valley before turning back towards the sea.
And this is where you really appreciate how quiet this part of Hong Kong can be. Other than the majestic white egrets flying silently above us, we were all alone.
Well, almost alone.
You also can’t help but notice how the “other half” live, because the mansions surrounding the course are enormous!
The 8th and 9th: A Very Unusual Finish
After playing the eighth, the only par 4 on the course, you reach the final hole—and you’d better be ready.
At 241 yards from the blue tees, I don’t know how this hole isn’t considered a par three and a half!
After putting out on eight, you walk up some steps, turn around, and hit your tee shot directly over the 8th green.
The first time around, I hit a 3-wood and pulled it quite left. Walking up, I found my ball on the 4th green, which is hidden from the tee by a small maintenance building. Luckily, there were no other players because I had no idea that green was even within play!
The second time around, I decided to play it safe with a 4-iron—and absolutely drilled it just short of the green.
It’s certainly not your everyday finishing hole!
What Makes Deep Water Bay So Unique?
So, how do you fit 18 holes of golf into such a small piece of land?
Well, you don’t!
Deep Water Bay is a 9-hole course that you play twice, with different tee boxes for the second loop. And it works remarkably well.
What we really enjoyed was how different each hole felt despite the course’s compact size. The routing takes you through the valley, back towards the sea and then around again from different tees, making the second nine feel more like another round than simply replaying the first.
There are eight par 3s and just one par 4, so this certainly isn’t a course where distance is the name of the game. Instead, it’s about accuracy, putting, and making the most of the small greens.
And perhaps that’s the real charm of Deep Water Bay. It may be compact, but it certainly doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Our Verdict: Would We Play Deep Water Bay Again?
Deep Water Bay was a completely different golfing experience from what we expected—and one we thoroughly enjoyed.
The course may be short, but that doesn’t make it easy. The setting is beautiful, the layout is fascinating, and playing the nine holes twice from different tees makes for a surprisingly enjoyable 18 holes. The clubhouse is also a lovely place to relax and soak in the atmosphere after your round.
And for Menekşe, Deep Water Bay was especially memorable. Because it was at HKGC that she had both her best 9 and 18 scores ever!
For us, that’s a pretty good reason to want to play this fun little course again!
Can You Play Deep Water Bay?
Yes! Visitors are welcome at Deep Water Bay Monday to Friday, except on public holidays.
Visitors are advised to call the club in advance to confirm availability of starting times, and a handicap certificate is required.
The current visitor green fee is listed by Hong Kong Golf Club as HK$800 for 18 holes, with additional charges for caddie and club hire. As these fees can change, we recommend checking with the club for the latest rates when you book.
If you’re planning to play Deep Water Bay, we’d recommend arranging your tee time in advance. With its beautiful setting and unusual 9-hole layout, it’s a golfing experience that’s well worth fitting into your Hong Kong itinerary.
How to Get to Deep Water Bay
Flying to Hong Kong
If you’re flying to Hong Kong to play Deep Water Bay, you’ll arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). From the airport, Hong Kong Island is easily reached by Airport Express, bus, or taxi.
Getting to Deep Water Bay
Deep Water Bay is on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, about five minutes from the Aberdeen Tunnel. The Hong Kong Golf Club itself recommends taking a taxi as the easiest way to reach the club.
We’d agree. When you’re traveling with golf clubs, a taxi takes the hassle out of navigating public transportation and gets you directly to the club.
If you prefer public transportation, buses 260, 6A, and 6X run from Exchange Square and pass Deep Water Bay. But, with golf clubs in tow, we’d stick with the taxi.
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
If you’re planning a golf trip to Hong Kong, where you stay can make a surprising difference, especially when you’re traveling with golf clubs. The MTR is incredibly fast and efficient, but maneuvering heavy golf bags through crowded stations isn’t always much fun—trust us!
For playing Deep Water Bay, we recommend staying on Hong Kong Island, with Wan Chai or Causeway Bay being our top choices. Both offer straightforward taxi access to Deep Water Bay while putting you in the middle of the action when you’re not playing golf.
Central & Admiralty are another good option, particularly if you prefer luxury hotels and easy access to the Airport Express.
If it’s your first visit to Hong Kong and those famous Victoria Harbour views are high on your list, Tsim Sha Tsui is also worth considering. Just remember that you’ll need to cross the harbor to reach Deep Water Bay.
Use our interactive map below to find the best hotels, luxury villas, and Airbnb rentals closest to Deep Water Bay. You can adjust the dates to check live pricing and availability:
Ready to Explore More Golf?
Deep Water Bay was just one course on our worldwide golf journey. If you’d like to see where else we’ve played, explored, and discovered along the way, there’s plenty more to explore.
Planning your own Hong Kong golf adventure? Explore all our Hong Kong golf blogs, course reviews, travel tips, and favorite places to stay.
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