Yalong Bay Golf Club
Robert Trent Jones Jr built Yalong Bay in the resort heart of Sanya on Hainan, a par 72 of about 7,189 yards opened around 2000. Waterfalls, coconut palms, a winding river and 98 bunkers give this tropical layout its character, minutes from the beaches of the South China Sea. A polished centerpiece for golf on China's southern island.
Photo: Kirill Kosminskiy via Google.
The verdict
Yalong Bay Golf Club sits in the resort district of Sanya, on the tropical southern tip of Hainan island, where China's warmest beaches meet the South China Sea. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and opened around 2000, it plays as a par 72 of about 7,189 yards, a generous, well conditioned layout woven through coconut palms with waterfalls, a winding river and a remarkable 98 bunkers shaping the holes.
This is destination resort golf built for warm weather travelers: wide enough to be enjoyable, long enough from the back tees to test the better player, and dressed in the lush tropical landscaping that has made Sanya a year round golf escape. It has hosted national and international events and remains one of the most established courses on the island, an easy anchor for a winter sun golf trip far from the cold of the mainland.
Yalong Bay Golf Club at a glance
- Opened
- About 2000
- Designer
- Robert Trent Jones Jr
- Type
- Tropical resort
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 7,189 yds
- Green fee
- Resort, public
Designer, opening era, par and yardage verified June 2026 from the architect and leading course databases: Yalong Bay is a Robert Trent Jones Jr design opened around 2000, a par 72 of about 7,189 yards with 98 bunkers near the South China Sea. Green fees are seasonal and quoted by the resort and third parties (indicative, 2026); always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Yalong Bay plays as confident, large scale resort golf. The fairways are broad and the landing areas welcoming, so the holiday golfer can open the shoulders, while the back tees stretch the course past 7,100 yards to give the stronger player a real examination. The greens are sizeable and well built, asking for control rather than caution on the approach.
The defining feature is the sand: 98 bunkers shape the corridors and guard the greens, a tally that earns the course its reputation and rewards accurate driving over raw power. A winding river, waterfalls and stands of coconut palm add both beauty and strategy, with water in play on several holes that demand a committed line.
The tropical setting carries the round. Warm air, lush planting and the proximity of the South China Sea give Yalong Bay an unmistakable holiday feel, and the consistent conditioning keeps it among the most reliable golf experiences on Hainan. It is a course to enjoy in the sun and a fitting centerpiece for a Sanya golf trip.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort and visitor play; open to the public and resort guests, tee times bookable in advance |
| Green fee | Seasonal green fees quoted by the resort and third party sites (indicative, 2026), often as part of a stay and play package |
| Booking | Book through the resort or a China golf specialist; peak winter season fills quickly, so reserve ahead |
| On the day | Buggies and caddies are available and widely used; light tropical clothing and a soft spike dress code suit the climate |
| Getting there | Yalong Bay in Sanya, on the south coast of Hainan, a short drive from the resort beaches and Sanya Phoenix International Airport |
| Best months | October to April for the peak winter sun season; the summer is hot and humid with a risk of typhoons |
Access and fees verified June 2026 from the resort and golf travel sources; rates change by season, so always confirm directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Yalong Bay is ringed by international beach resorts, so the natural choice is to stay within the bay itself, steps from the sand and a short transfer to the first tee. The range runs from large family resorts to higher end retreats, all geared to the year round holiday trade.
For a fuller trip, Sanya offers further golf and the wider attractions of Hainan, and the bay makes a comfortable base from which to combine rounds with beach time. It is the kind of warm weather destination that suits a relaxed golf and leisure itinerary.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Yalong Bay Golf Club.
Build a Sanya golf trip
We book the Yalong Bay tee times, pair them with the best of the Hainan resorts and sort the beachside lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Yalong Bay Golf Club questions
Who designed Yalong Bay Golf Club and when did it open?
Yalong Bay was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and opened around 2000 in the resort district of Sanya on Hainan island.
What is the par and length of Yalong Bay Golf Club?
Yalong Bay is a par 72 of about 7,189 yards, a tropical resort layout with 98 bunkers, a winding river and waterfalls near the South China Sea.
What is the best time to play Yalong Bay?
The peak season is October to April, when Sanya offers warm winter sun. The summer is hot and humid with a risk of typhoons, so the cooler months are best.
Can visitors play Yalong Bay Golf Club?
Yes. Yalong Bay is a resort and public course open to visiting golfers, often as part of a stay and play package. Confirm green fees and availability directly before booking.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening era, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.