Though golf was born in Scotland, it found surprising early footing in Asia and Oceania. Introduced by British merchants, officers, and colonial officials in the 19th century, the game took root in bustling port cities and hill stations across the continent. Today, both Asia and Oceania are home to some of the oldest golf clubs outside Europe, many of them still thriving.
In this second article of our series, we journey across Asia and Oceania to highlight the oldest continuously operating golf club in each country. Each golf club listed here is at least 100 years old and forms the foundation of golf in its respective region.
🇮🇳 India: Royal Calcutta Golf Club (Founded in 1829)
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Asia and the oldest golf club outside the United Kingdom — often referred to as "The Old Lady of the East." Founded in 1829, the club received its Royal Charter from Queen Victoria in 1911. Located in Kolkata, the course weaves through lush tropical foliage and features a unique blend of British design and Indian topography.
Website: Royal Calcutta Golf Club
🇳🇿 New Zealand: Otago Golf Club (Founded in 1871)
Otago Golf Club, located in Dunedin, is the oldest in New Zealand and among the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. Established in 1871, the course is nestled in scenic hills with panoramic views of the city and Otago Harbour. The club is affectionately known as "Balmacewen," referencing the land on which it was founded.
Website: Otago Golf Club
🇮🇩 Indonesia: Jakarta Golf Club (Founded in 1872)
Established in 1872 under the name Batavia Golf Club, the Jakarta Golf Club is not only the oldest golf club in Indonesia, but also one of the oldest in Asia. Originally founded by Dutch colonists, the club has withstood the city's transformation from colonial capital to modern metropolis. Located in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, the 18-hole course is compact, walkable, and rich with history.
Website: Jakarta Golf Club
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka: Royal Colombo Golf Club (Founded in 1880)
Founded in 1880, Royal Colombo is the oldest golf club in Sri Lanka and among the very oldest in Asia. Located in the capital, its 18-hole course winds through colonial-era charm and urban greenery. The club received its "Royal" prefix from King George V in 1928.
Website: Royal Colombo Golf Club
🇦🇺 Australia: The Australian Golf Club (Founded in 1882)
The Australian Golf Club, based in Sydney, is the oldest golf club in Australia. Established in 1882, it has been at the heart of Australian golf since its inception. The club has hosted over 20 Australian Opens and underwent significant redesigns by Jack Nicklaus, who helped shape the modern course into a championship venue.
Website: The Australian Golf Club
🇲🇲 Myanmar: Thayet Golf Club (Founded in 1887)
Established in 1887 by British colonial officers, the Thayet Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Myanmar and one of the earliest in mainland Southeast Asia. Located in the historic town of Thayet on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, the course is known for its rustic charm and tranquil setting.
No website available.
🇵🇰 Pakistan: Karachi Golf Club (Founded in 1888)
Established in 1888, the Karachi Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Pakistan. It features a 27-hole course and has hosted the Pakistan Open, contributing significantly to the country's golfing landscape.
Website: Karachi Golf Club
🇭🇰 Hong Kong: Royal Hong Kong Golf Club (Founded in 1889)
The Royal Hong Kong Golf Club, established in 1889, is one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia and a fixture of British colonial history in the region. Located in Fanling, the club boasts three 18-hole courses and a strong membership tradition. While the city around it has transformed rapidly, the club remains a sanctuary of tradition and elite amateur competition.
Website: Royal Hong Kong Golf Club
🇸🇬 Singapore: The Singapore Island Country Club (Founded in 1891)
Founded in 1891 as the Royal Singapore Golf Club, The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) is the oldest golf club in Singapore and one of the most prestigious in Southeast Asia. Originally established by British colonials, the club played a central role in the region's golfing history. Today, SICC boasts multiple championship courses spread across two locations: Bukit and Island.
Website: Singapore Island Country Club
🇲🇾 Malaysia: The Royal Selangor Golf Club (Founded in 1893)
Founded in 1893, The Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) is one of Malaysia's most historic sporting institutions. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the club has hosted numerous international tournaments including the Malaysian Open. With two championship courses and a rich colonial legacy, RSGC combines prestige, playability, and history.
Website: Royal Selangor Golf Club
🇹🇷 Turkey: Istanbul Golf Club (Founded in 1895)
Established in 1895, the Istanbul Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Turkey. Originally founded by British expatriates and Ottoman elites, the club played a pivotal role in introducing golf to the region. We have added it to the Asia edition, though Turkey (and Istanbul) lies in both Europe and Asia.
Website: Istanbul Golf Club
🇯🇵 Japan: Kobe Golf Club (Founded in 1903)
Perched atop Mount Rokko, the Kobe Golf Club was founded in 1903 by English expatriate Arthur Hesketh Groom and holds the distinction of being Japan's first golf club. With narrow fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and stunning panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka Bay, the course remains a challenging and scenic tribute to early golf in Asia.
Website: Kobe Golf Club
🇵🇭 Philippines: Iloilo Golf and Country Club (Founded in 1907)
Originally established in 1907 by Scottish engineers working on the Panay Railway, the Iloilo Golf and Country Club is the oldest golf club in the Philippines. Located in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, the club began as a 9-hole course and has since evolved into a scenic 18-hole layout with tree-lined fairways and a century-old legacy.
🇳🇵 Nepal: Royal Nepal Golf Club (Founded in 1917)
Established in 1917 as the Gauchar Golf Club, the Royal Nepal Golf Club is Nepal's oldest golf club. Located in the heart of Kathmandu, adjacent to Tribhuvan International Airport, the club received its "Royal" designation in 1965. Though compact, the course offers a strategic layout with tree-lined fairways and elevated greens.
More info: Royal Nepal Golf Club (Facebook)
🇹🇼 Taiwan: Taiwan Golf & Country Club (Founded in 1919)
Founded in 1919, the Taiwan Golf & Country Club is the oldest golf club in Taiwan. Located in Tamsui, just outside Taipei, the club is often referred to as the "Old Tamsui Course." With its seaside location, tree-lined fairways, and panoramic views, it is a cornerstone of Taiwanese golf culture.
More info: Taiwan Golf & Country Club
Notable Historic Golf Courses (Not Clubs)
During our research we also came across very old golf courses in Asia that do not form a golf club. Since The Centenary focuses on golf clubs only, these are not included in our database, but we think they deserve a mention:
- Royal Hua Hin Golf Course (Thailand, founded in 1922)
- DAGO Heritage Golf Course (Indonesia, founded in 1917)
Make sure to also read the European edition of this series.
