clubs
Shek O Golf & Country Club
Maggie & Rose
This newly opened 9,000 sq. ft. Hong Kong beach club is located on the third floor of the pulse with views over Repulse Bay and the South China Sea. Membership at the club covers the entire immediate family: up to four children, plus parents, carers, and grandparents. Prospective members must be proposed by an existing member.
Unless you own property in Shek O or are particularly well-connected, the view of the Shek O Golf & Country Club from the Dragon’s Back is likely to be the closest you get to it. Established in 1919 and privately owned by Shek O Development, it has the fewest members of any club on our list. It’s small but beautiful, with a golf course along the coast, red-roofed colonial clubhouse and terrace overlooking Tathong channel. Clubhouse 5 Shek O Road, tel: 2809 4458. Facilities 10-bay driving range, 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, pro shop, coffee shop, lounge bar, function room and halfway house. Fees Your guess is as good as ours. Waiting list You could be waiting a lifetime. In 2012, the SCMP reported that individual memberships are available by invitation only. Don’t hold your breath… No. of memberships 300-400. Top tip Guests must be accompanied by a member. According to HK Pro Golf, green fees are $300-$500. At the sixth hole (“Land’s End”) players must drive across an ocean inlet.
Did you know…Located around the club are 23 expensive homes, whose owners are closely vetted by Shek O Development, which sublets the land. The vetting process is a mystery, but according to a 2004 report in the SCMP, the Country Club committee is closely involved.
Clubhouses Deep Water Bay; Fanling, www.hkgolfclub.org Facilities Nine-hole golf course (Deep Water Bay), three 18-hole golf courses (Fanling), coaching, pro shop, practice range, gym, pool, sauna and mahjong room. Fanling has overnight accommodation and a men-only bar. Entrance fees Everfine Membership Services Ltd. has a corporate membership available for $16 million, www.evergolf.com.hk Monthly fees $2,210 (single) to $3,000 (marriage). No. of memberships About 2,510, including 365 corporate nominee memberships. Top tip Visitors are welcome at Deep Water
64 | Southside Family Guide
Photo by birdiegolfblog.com
Hong Kong Golf Club Established in Happy Valley in 1889 by “thirteen golfing enthusiasts”, the Hong Kong Golf Club dropped the “Royal” from its name in 1996, ahead of the handover. Home of the Hong Kong Open since 1959, the waiting list for this exclusive golf club is said to be about 20 years. Li Ka-shing, who lives a few minutes away, is reported to be first on the Deep Water Bay course in the morning.
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Bay on weekdays (excluding public holidays), 9am-2pm. A handicap certificate is required, tipping of caddies is prohibited and there’s a strict dress code. Did you know…The 10th hole at Fanling is called “Tommy Tucker”. From the tee, the view of the green is obstructed by a hill, which a caddy would climb to check if the fairway was clear and the player would shout, “Ta ng tuk ah?” (“Can I hit it?”).
Clubhouses 301 the pulse, 28 Beach road, Repulse Bay, www.maggieandrose.com.hk Facilities Themed play booths - including a Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng - line the walkway to a brasserie serving gourmet family grub. There is also a movie room, plus art and cooking studios, with daily workshops available for children aged six months to six years. A large soft play area houaes a ball pond, rope bridges and walkways, while the 7,000 sq. ft. roof terrace includes alfresco dining, outdoor play and a mini race-track. Holiday Kids' Camps (ages four to eight) are available to nonmembers. Joining fees $42,000. Monthly fees from $1,800 (includes four workshops per month) to $8,000 (unlimited workshops). Waiting list Yes, but it fluctuates month by month as the club reviews usage by members. No. of memberships 200+ families signed up. Top tip: Membership includes 10 guest passes per year and an access package to Maggie & Rose’s Kensington and Chiswick clubs in the UK. Did you know…There are plans to open a city club and country club, but not for a while yet.