Earls Golf Club

About the club

The Earls, set in lovely woodlands outside Beijing, is usually at its best after the seasonal rains let up. Local designer Sang Ha Lim made maximum use of a fairly flat site when he laid out the course by lining the holes with stately evergreens, except for one stretch that opens up to create the feel of a links. The layout features excellent bunkers, with strategically positioned pits in the fairways that demand careful shots off the tee, while the sand traps create a challenge for the short game. There are in addition water hazards on six of the holes, where again accuracy is rewarded. At the same time, the unobstructed greens mean that the course is welcoming to players of all skill levels. When it comes to putting, the hazards are usually to one side rather than head-on, facilitating the approach off the fairways.