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Nanjing Lvbo Yuan Golf Club

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If golf is known (almost) the world over as the Gentleman’s Game, what of it here in China? An appendage to the exercise of gaining face or a sport in which friendships are solidified, deals are struck and exercise gleaned? The former, it would seem, after playing a round at Nanjing Lvbo Yuan golf club, that troublingly, also goes by the name Virescence Expo Garden Gold Club.

Allegedly the only city golf course in China, Lvbo certainly has going for it its location, situated between the Olympic Centre and the Yangtze River. While the course itself has its charms, such as a plethora of water hazards, on the whole it is sadly just a little uncared for. Granted, our visit came in early February when needless to say it is far from its best, yet from glances snuck by this correspondent during previous summers the unkempt nature of the course seems to be a constant. Green; sometimes. Tidy; no.

In addition to the caddy, who trundles around, often ahead of the players, with a somewhat decrepit device resembling a wheelbarrow frame that has been modified to take two sets of golf clubs, a seemingly limitless supply of balls are included in the price, on account of the water hazards, as exemplified by the 410 yard par five 1st. Here, a monster drive is necessary to clear three man-made lakes; softies should opt for a long iron to bring the ball down between the second and third hazard. Elsewhere, fun is to be had on the 321 yard par four 5th, an intriguing dogleg, which if misjudged has a good chance of striking a vehicle on the adjacent eight-lane highway. The 165 yard par three 6th wherein a sound 6-iron is called for to avoid the water hazard that virtually surrounds the green area, or on the 430 yard (longest hole on the par 33 course) par five 8th, in which the green is a tiny island all unto itself in the middle of a small lake. Precision needed, not necessarily delivered. Caddy!

All done and dusted, the burning question remained; the car park was full (good ones too, no rubbish) yet the course was almost empty. On our round we did not encounter another player yet, we were informed there were three other groups playing the little nine holer. The answer is they were all on the driving range, preferring to toil away through attempts to perfect their swing, and likely more importantly, to be seen. All the better for those of us who actually want to play golf.

A round at Lvbo Yuan will set you back in the area of ¥400, including a mandatory tip for the eager caddy. Elsewhere, for those wishing to simplify the process of picking up a club in China, head out sometime with the Nanjing Golf Society, playing most weekends at various courses around Nanjing. An email each week will confirm time and place. Contact Simon Northcott by phone on 15850764645 or via simon3northcott@gmail.com.

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