Taiwan Golf & Country Club

Oldest Golf Club in Taiwan

By Catherine Chen

Several egrets stand on the green grass, the cool wind blows on your face, and you swing the club to hit the small white ball. Yes! You are at Taiwan Golf and Country Club, the oldest golf club in Taiwan.

Located in Tamshui, the club is close to the Tamshui River. Built in 1919, the club has trained dozens of famous golfers, such as Chen Ching-shoel, who finished in the top 20 in the US Open in 1936, Chen Jin-shy, who is called "The father of golf" in Taiwan, Chen Ching-bo, the first Taiwan golf player to participate in the US Masters, Hsieh Yung-yo, who was Asian Golf Circuit champion four times, Lu Liang-huan, who took second place in the British Open, Hsieh Min-nan, who participated in the US Masters and the British Open, and Chen Tze-chung, who hit the first "Double Eagle" in the US Open and took second place in 1985.

Based on its long history and the famous players who have graced its fairways, Taiwan Golf and Country Club was selected as one of the best 50 golf courses in 1980. The club is also famous for its well-designed fairways. The club's assistant manager Daniel Hou said, "Some players like our fairways because they like to challenge the wind and the design. The course rating is 3-5 higher than other courses." He also said that the trees have luxurious foliage, and players can see the river and the naturally beautiful scenery when swinging their clubs. Not many golf courses have such fairways and scenery - you may even see egrets fly away with the ball you just hit!

Though many new golf clubs have been set up in Taiwan over the last 20 years, Hou still has confidence in his club. "Many Japanese think if they come to Taiwan without visiting our club, they have not visited Taiwan completely." Talking about the Asian market, Hou said that they are allied with another 10 golf clubs in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and mainland China. "When it comes to competitions, people still think our course is a good choice." Hou added that the 18th Taiwan Masters would take place at their club from September 16 to 19 this year, which offers the highest rewards of all competitions in Taiwan. The Taiwan Master always attracts famous golfers from Northeast and Southeast Asia, even from the US. The players' participation demonstrates their approval of the course.

As the first golf club in Taiwan, it is a historic place to visit. Besides, there are some spots like Fort San Domingo, Oxford College, Shell Oil Company Storage, Ching Dynasty Chief Taxation Officer's Residence, Huwei Mackay Hospital, Huwei Fort, and many other interesting sights. Next time when you come to Taiwan, you can visit these historic spots, and swing your golf club at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club!