Just a good one hour flight or so from Bangkok lies Phuket – a gem in the Andaman Sea. This “Dream Island” has it all – tropical palm-fringed beaches, unique limestone caves and formations in picturesque Phang Nga Bay, “hideaways” like Phi Phi Island and Similan Island, top hotels and terrific golf courses – the perfect holiday destination.
In total there are 7 Golf Courses in Phuket itself and one in Khao Lak, all with their own unique character & design and all well worth playing. The most famous of these are the BLUE CANYON courses, The LAKES and the more famous CANYON COURSE.
They have hosted numerous professional events here over the years including the Johnnie Walker Classic won by one Tiger Woods beating a certain Ernie Els in a play-off back in the day.
However, now they have a serious competitor with the spectacular RED MOUNTAIN GC. The course winds it way through & over the eponymous red outcroppings and affords serious views and challenging holes. It is expensive but a must play course!
MISSION HILLS GOLF RESORT is a Nicklaus design with scenic views of the Andaman Sea, although it’s overall condition can let it down soetimes.
Another course well worth playing is LAGUNA GOLF PHUKET which has recently undergone a complete redesign. The course winds it way through forests and lagoons that frequently come into play. This is a strategic course and favours thinking golfers as opposed to bombers. Another welcome feature is the great service you will receive at LAGUNA GOLF RESORT.
PHUKET COUNTRY CLUB is one of the oldest courses in Phuket and features walking only. Not a long course but what it lacks in length it makes up for in character. Recently renovated LOCH PALM GC complete the offering on the island itself and is an enjoyable course to play and relatively flat built around a large lake.
In Khao Lak, an hour or so drive north of Phuket, you will find the excellent KATATHONG GOLF RESORT & SPA. A welcome addition to the golf scene in the area, Katathong features onsite accommodations and a course built within a beautiful jungle laden valley. Well worth a visit when you are in the area.
