The Jockey Club-funded, Gary Player-designed twin courses at Kau Sai Chau looked like being a God-send for an army of golfers in Hong Kong whose chances of playing locally had previously been stymied by the rigid rules of the handful of private clubs.
However, Kau Sai Chau's popularity was immediate and overwhelming and telephoning to secure a weekend tee time soon became, for many, a finger-numbing exercise in futility.
It seemed the best opportunity to play remained the occasional away trip.
The cost of a package to Thailand, for instance, can prove financially more attractive than, say, a couple of days at mainland China's oldest and best-known course, Chung Shan.
A three-day, two-night trip to play either or both of Chung Shan's admittedly splendid courses during the week is likely to involve only small change from $3,000 after green fees, caddy fees, visas (if expatriates), ferry fares, transfers and accommodation plus breakfast.
The cost can be more at weekends and, with visitors who are not accompanied by a member restricted to the tough Nicklaus course, the option of travelling abroad remains an attractive one.