Hong Kong, January 21--In preparation for the 3rd China Hickory Open to be held on November 16-18 this year, five members of the board of the Society of China Hickory Golfers (SCHG) traveled to the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course in Hong Kong on January 20th for a two-day on-site inspection.
The Jockey Club KSC Public Golf Course
The China Hickory Open is an annual international event co-hosted by China's first golf museum and the SCHG. The Hidden Grace Golf Museum in Shenzhen officially opened to the public free of charge on May 5, 2024, with approval from the Shenzhen Municipal Government. The Museum obtained a non-profit private enterprise status on September 12 in the same year. Located in the Hidden Grace Castle Hotel, the Museum features a World Hall and a China Hall. The World Hall displays the history of modern golf from 1700 to 1980, spanning over more than three centuries, with thousands of artifacts on display. The China Hall showcases the history and artifacts of early golf in China from 1870 to 1950. With support from the China Golf Association, the Modern Chinese Golf History Exhibition opened inside the China Hall on October 9, 2025. Thus, the Hidden Grace Golf Museum has grown into China's first and only historical and cultural institution that comprehensively collects, researches and displays the history of modern golf and golf development in China.
Hidden Grace Golf Museum
Established in 2024, the non-profit SCHG has a mission to promote the history and culture of golf through organizing golf competitions in China using antique hickory golf clubs. In collaboration with SCHG, the Hidden Grace Golf Museum hosted the inaugural China Hickory Open at the Hidden Grace Golf Club in Shenzhen on November 11-12, 2024 and the 2nd China Hickory Open at Mission Hills Haikou Golf Club in Hainan on November 11-12, 2025. Both events attracted hickory golfers from more than 10 countries worldwide in participation. Details can be found on www.cnhickorygolfers.com.
SCHG Logo
The two-day inspection tour took into consideration of internationally accepted standards for hickory tournaments, including tournament structure, rules and interests of international and local participants. Board members played the North and South courses, both 18 holes, and obtained firsthand knowledge about their yardages, greens, playing difficulties and competitive features.
The Jockey KSC Public Golf Course, located on the picturesque Sai Kung Peninsula, was built in 1994 with funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Charities Trust as part of a community development program. It is the only municipal public golf course in Hong Kong and mainland China, with the purpose to promote and develop golf for Hong Kong residents.
KSC features three 18-hole courses: North, South, and East. Board members first experienced its transportation facilities and geographical environment. It take golfers a 25-minute ferry ride between Sai Kung Pier and the course, where players and golf bags are transported by bus to the clubhouse a few minutes away. Board members believe the unique ferry access adds a significant and exciting cultural value to players.
Hong Kong Golfer Impressed by the Hickory Clubs
Although the ferry ride creates a natural physical barrier for golfers, it provides a psychological buffer away from the hustle and bustle of the city, giving players an immersive "pilgrimage" feeling. This perfectly aligns with the spirit of "returning to tradition and paying tribute to history" advocated by hickory golf tournaments. The experience will undoubtedly help participants at this year's 3rd China Hickory Open adjust their mindset before the competition.
The North Course, designed by Gary Player, is a typical links-style course, 6,719 yards long, with 18 holes and a par of 72. It is a walking-only course, tailor-made for hickory golfers.
North Course
On the 20th, board members played the North Course, which features significant elevation changes, strong sea breezes, and tightly mown fairways, resulting in a competitive difficulty rating of 73.4. This environment presents a significant physical challenge to players and requires low-trajectory hitting skills. Board members believe that the walk-only North Course, with its moderately challenging yardage, provides a natural competitive environment for hickory tournament. It is an ideal venue for hosting a Hickory Open that offers tough challenges for hickory golfers.
Five Board Members in Red Jackets on North Course
82-Year-Old Board Chair Wayne Xing Rested on Vintage Stick Chair
The South Course, also a masterpiece by Gary Player, is 5,906 yards long with 18 holes and a par of 69. It is the shortest of the three courses and seems tailor-made for hickory golfers. Players can choose to walk or use a golf cart.
South Course
At 8:06 AM on the 21st, board members teed off on the South Course in temperatures of just over 10 degrees Celsius. The South Course's white and red tee distances are relatively forgiving, and the fairways are more tolerant of errors. Because golf carts are allowed, it effectively reduces the physical exertion to players, providing an ideal venue for tournament participants of all ages. Compared to the high-intensity competitive style of the North Course, the South Course is more suitable for the proposed two-day China Hickory Open event, allowing male, female, senior (60 years and older) and statesman (70 years and older) players to participate and enjoy the game and fully appreciate the unique charm of hickory golf from a century ago.
Board Members on South Course
During the two-day event, board members studied various logistical issues that the China Hickory Open would face at the KSC Public Golf Course. They were satisfied with the public course's professional services in terms of transportation, clubhouse reception, catering, locker rooms, etc. After the event, board members met with Ms. Sinnie Chan, Marketing and Event Services Manager, and Assistant Manager Ms. Karen So. Both sides agreed to utilize their respective resources to jointly make the third China Hickory Open a truly international event, jointly promoting China’s first Golf Museum, SCHG and the Jockey KSC Public Golf Course in China and globally.
Wayne Xing Briefs KSC Managers about the 3rd China Hickory Open
Board Members and KSC Marketing Managers
During their visit, board members also visited local hotel facilities near Saigon Port for participants of the 3rd China Walnut Open, making preliminary arrangements for booking accommodations for participating golfers in November.
Save the dates for November 16-18, 2026 and find out more about China Hickory Open on www.cnhickorygolfers.com!
