Five of the best golf courses in Thailand
Thailand is widely regarded as one of the best up-and-coming golfing destinations in the world. The sport of golf gifts tourists and residents alike in Thailand the opportunity to unwind and enjoy an activity that more than just a pastime. Factor in the social aspect as well as the chance to play in spectacular settings and it’s easy to see why so many people are so passionate about golf.
Here we run the rule over five of the best courses in Thailand.
Alpine Golf Club
The Alpine Golf Club has wasted little time in forging a reputation as one of the finest and toughest courses in the country and is a 15-minute drive from Bangkok airport. This picture-perfect par-72 track was crafted from flat rice paddy fields and contains plenty of hazards to ensure golfers of all abilities are kept on their toes. It’s a monster of a course at 7,100 yards and snakes around several beautiful lakes. Expect no favors from the slick greens.
Blue Canyon Golf Club
Blue Canyon Golf Club in Thailand
Set against a backdrop of the Phang Nga mountains in Phuket, Blue Canyon Country Club has two award-winning courses (Canyon and Lakes) and is a real gem of a golfing resort. The Canyon course is one of the best on the continent and is based on land that used to be a rubber plantation and tin mine. Fun to play providing you are on top of your game as you’ll soon get punished by the natural hazards.
Laem Chabang International Golf Club
Made up of three loops of nine holes, Laem Chabang International is about 30 minutes away from Pattaya and is set across 700 acres of luscious greenery. Each of the three separate courses – Lake 9, Mountain 9 and Valley 9 – is distinctly different and makes use of the surroundings to great effect, with every course bringing something different to the table. An additional bonus for golfers who fancy testing themselves here is the fact that it’s floodlit, allowing for play both at night and during the day.
Mission Hills Golf Club
Located on the paradise island of Phuket, Mission Hills is a Jack Nicklaus-designed course of some distinction that boasts incredible ocean views and is handily placed for the airport. The complex is an idyllic retreat that also has a spa and pool bar to unwind in after a round or two of golf. The par-four fifth hole is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch if you’re thinking of heading to Mission Hills and will live long in the memory for its unique island green. Over hit or under hit the ball and you’ll end up in the water, so pack a few extra balls just in case you’re not on your game.
Navatanee Golf Club
Central Bangkok is on the doorstep of Navatanee, but the hustle and bustle of the Thai capital feels like a world away as this is one of the most enchanting courses in the whole of Asia. Hole six and hole nine are particularly tricky holes and both see water hazards dissecting the fairways, making it more important than ever to pick the right clubs at the right time and adopt a sensible strategy.
Images Courtesy of Alpine Golf Club, Navatanee and Your Golf Travel
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I’m not much of a golfer, pretty much minigolf only. Surprised there isn’t more of those around. About four years ago I took my date to one on Beach road, it was the most horrible minigolf experience ever. It was unkept, full of mosquitoes, and way too hard. She had never golfed before and I had to apologize profusly for such a bad time, as I really had to push her to go in the first place. Last time I was there it looked like it was out of business, not surprising as we were the only ones there when we went.
I don’t golf either but mainly due to those who do… but maybe Thais would be more forgiving of someone taking SIX +++ tries to hit their balls each time.
What? We don’t get more than one?
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