Sheshan International Golf Club: A Global Golfing Powerhouse in Shanghai
Welcome to the buzzing city of Shanghai, where the greens are as vibrant as the culture that surrounds them! It’s an exciting time for golf enthusiasts, especially with the release of the Best Courses in China list. Leading the pack is none other than Shanqin Bay Golf Club, but let’s dive into the remarkable significance of the runner-up: Sheshan International Golf Club.
A Blossoming Love Affair with Golf in China
If you’re wondering why golfing in China is making headlines, it’s because of the astounding evolution the sport has undergone in the past few decades. Only a few decades ago, golf was practically non-existent under Mao Zedong’s regime, which famously banned the sport in 1949. Fast forward to today, and golf courses are popping up all over the country like flowers in spring. Experts estimate that around 600 golf courses now tread the landscape, although an exact count is tricky with the government’s occasional closures and reclaims of golf estates.
The Boom of Golf
From 1983 to 2001, over 100 new golf courses were built, attracting big names like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus to design the greens. The sport has become a symbol of not just leisure, but also economic prowess. A former golf pro was quoted saying, “Whereas golf was once a forbidden pastime, it is now a virtual requirement for any Chinese town hoping to assert its economic viability.”
Sheshan International: A World Ranking
Among all these magnificent courses, Sheshan International Golf Club stands proudly at 97th on the global list of the World’s 100 Greatest Courses. It’s a prestigious ranking that further solidifies its status in the golfing community. So what makes Sheshan so special? This golf club combines spectacular scenery with challenging layouts, offering an experience that no golfer should miss. Not to mention, it served as a former site for a PGA Tour event, showcasing its international allure.
The Course Lineup
As we explore the Best Courses in China, it’s worth mentioning Sheshan International is not alone at the top. The complete list features some real gems:
- Shanqin Bay Golf Club
- Sheshan International Golf Club
- The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula (East)
- Spring City Golf & Lake Resort (Lake)
- Mission Hills Haikou (Blackstone)
- Hidden Grace Golf Club (A)
- Lanhai International Golf Club (Yangtze Dunes)
- Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club (Nicklaus)
- Shanghai Links Golf Community and Country Club
- Topwin Golf and Country Club
…and many more impressive courses all across China!
A Golfer’s Paradise Awaits
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the golf courses in China offer something for everyone. More than just a game, golf in Shanghai symbolizes growth, luxury, and opportunity. And with the enjoyment of both local and international players alike, the future of golf in China seems incredibly bright!
Join the Conversation
It’s not just about rankings, either. Golf enthusiasts can now rate the courses they’ve played and share their experiences, ensuring every golfer has a voice in determining which course deserves to be on top. So get out there, hit the greens, and start exploring this remarkable world of golf!
Stay Tuned!
Hold onto your golf clubs because more rankings are on the way as Golf Digest keeps rolling out its Best Courses list from all around the world. Tune in for updates and get ready to hit the best courses on your next golfing adventure!