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Black Mountain HUA HIN

GREEN, TEES AND THAILAND

Gorgeous beaches and bustling cities aren’t the only attractions in the Land of Smiles...

story by Stuart Langrish

Already considered one of the pearls of Asia, there’s another title Thailand can proudly claim – the continents golf capital. With a rich heritage dating back nearly 100 years, the first recognised 18-hole course was approved for construction at Hua Hin by King Rama V in 1923. Today there are more than 290 golf courses nationwide, with designers including - Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer, and the architects Schmidt-Curley. Over two-thirds of all golf tourists who travel to and in Asia visit Thailand, some 750,000 each year - bringing in 10.5 billion baht to the Kingdom in 2013.

After an eight year absence, this February the first PGA European Tour men’s event was played at the prestigious Black Mountain golf course, in Hua Hin.

With competitive green fees cheaper than their Western counterparts, luxurious club houses and Thailand’s famed female caddy service, it’s no surprise that foreign investment is on the increase. Combine that with the Kingdom’s year round golfing climate and the rich, diverse destinations – beach resorts in the South, to the mountainous regions in the North, or the bustling cities of Bangkok and Pattaya. It is now almost impossible to be more than 90 minutes away from a championship course.

If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that the grass is most certainly greener for golf in Thailand. With this in mind, One Coast Magazine donned its finest plaid and checked out some of the country’s best courses.

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BANGKOKAmata SpringThis elite members-only course is situated hallway between the capital and Pattaya and is famous for its signature 17th hole, the short par-3 floating island green which requires a rowing boat to visit. Built around two lakes it is exceptionally well presented and features rolling fairways, sizeable bunkers, and fast, undulating greens. It hosts the two richest golf events in the country each year, the Royal Trophy, and the Honda LPGA Thailand.

AlpineDesigned by one of the world’s most famous architects Ron M. Garl, Alpine golf course is considered the toughest course in Bangkok. Though once flatlands, this course has characteristics more akin to its Northern cousins with its abundance of vegetation, stately trees, and rolling hills. The large parkland lay-out is a course not for the faint-hearted with jungle lined fairways and water-protected holes. Alpine has previously hosted the world-class tournament Johnnie Walker Classic in 2000, where Tiger Woods famously eagled the colossal 555 yard par-5 7th on his way to winning, and 2004.

Amata Spring BANGKOK

Thai Country ClubRemodelled in 1996 and home to the most luxurious clubhouse in all of Asia, it hosted the Asian Honda Classic the following year with Tiger Woods setting a course record of 64. Exquisitely maintained to United States Golf Association standards, it features a great variety between holes, with numerous water hazards and elegantly designed sand bunkers. Thai Country Club was recently recognised by Forbes Travel Guide as one of ‘Asia’s 10 Most Elite Golf Courses’.

Ayodha LinksFormed in 2007 by some of Thailand’s wealthiest people, this golf club is one of the most exclusive in all of Asia. Membership is by invitation only so if you find yourself playing here you’ll be in the presence of the country’s most well to do crowd. Considered a real test, the course measures a fearsome 7,639 yards from its championship tees and features lightning fast greens and a variety of deep bunkers.

HUA HINBlack MountainThe only course in Thailand named in Golf Digest’s Top 100 outside the US, Black Mountain might be the best in Asia. Opened in 2007 against the backdrop of the large black rocks set into the mountains, the layout features interconnected waterways, and undulating fairways and greens in a breathtaking natural landscape. Designed with both professionals and amateurs in mind, each hole requires careful shot placement, a measured risk and reward system, and has stunning panoramic views of the course from its clubhouse.

BanyanDesigned in 2008 by Thailand’s leading golf course architect, Pirapon Namatra, on the site of a former pineapple plantation, Banyan is considered one of the best layouts in the country. With spectacular views of the Burmese mountains on one side and ocean views the other, this is a course to be truly savoured. The signature 15th par-3 features panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand and Singtoh Island in the distance.

PATTAYASiam Country ClubThe first privately-owned course in Thailand, Siam CC was built more than 35 years ago and redesigned by Schmidt-Curley in 2007. Hosting the annual LPGA Honda Classic since 2010, the course is impeccably maintained all year round. A daunting 7,016 yards in total, it features an abundance of fruit trees, creeks, stunning bunkers, and over 100 sand traps. Considered the premier course in the region - notable holes include the 9th, with a large golden Buddha watching carefully over the green.

PHUKETRed MountainOpened in 2007 on the site of an abandoned tin mine, this course is considered Phuket’s most spectacular and a golfing landmark in Thailand. Just how this course fits among such dramatic shifts in elevation, dense jungle

Alpine BANGKOK

Thai Country Club BANGKOK

Ayodha Links BANGKOK

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and red rock landscape is a credit to its designers, Jon Morrow, and Al Tikkanen. The highest on the island with views to match, golfers here must brave a full range of natural hazards to make it home safely. The short par-3 17th takes you from a breathtakingly precipitous ledge, down over 40 meters through the jungle to a lush green valley carved out of the bright red rock below.

LagunaRe-designed and renamed in 2014, the former Banyan Tree Golf Club facelift has been impressive. The once flat fairways now roll and dip, strategic hazards have been added and more mature trees enhance the woodlands setting. Set amongst the tropical surroundings of Bang Tao Bay with pleasant breezes from the Andaman Sea, the course offers good variety and is within easy reach of some of Phuket’s luxury resorts.

Blue Canyon Country ClubAs the one and only three time host of the Johnnie Walker Classic, this venue features two award-winning championship courses (‘Canyon’ and ‘Lakes’) within its grounds. Designed in 1988 by Japan’s famed golf architect, Yoshikazu Kato on the site of another tin mine, it’s flanked by rubber plantations and features many characteristics as a nod to its past.

CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAISantiburi Chiang Rai Country ClubLocated in the Golden Triangle, this was Chiang Rai’s first golf course, designed in 1992 by Robert Trent-Jones Jr. Exploiting the natural terrain of the northern region, this highly regarded resort features rolling hills guarded by countless sand bunkers, sloping lies, trees, and huge water hazards. Owned by the Singha beer family, the

Banyan HUAHIN

Laguna PHUKET

course is impeccably well maintained and definitely worth a visit.

Chiang Mai HighlandsOpened in 2005, plaudits soon followed this Schmidt-Curley creation, and it’s now firmly in the international golf course fraternity. Designed to capture the natural beauty of the surrounding hills, its elevated position, cool climate, and fresh air inspire tranquillity as memorable as its holes. Do not be fooled though, this course demands focus and skilled shots, as the undulating fairways are unforgiving, with tight bunker complexes, and consistently fast, sloped greens. The 18th hole, a 558 yard par-5, is considered one of the greatest closing holes in Thailand and bound to ensure an exciting finish.

KOH SAMUISantiburi Samui Country ClubThe only championship course on the island, it stretches along the hills of the northern coastline offering spectacular views of Mae Nam beach below, the Gulf of Thailand, and Koh Phangan. Set amongst the lush, natural beauty of coconut forests, waterfalls, and meandering creeks, Santiburi offers a picturesque backdrop to one of the most unique courses in Thailand. Steep mountain slopes, fast greens, and rocky outcrops, create a challenging environment for all golfers.

With special thanks to John Carter at www.golfasian.com, Paul Myers at www.asiantravelmedia.com, and Harry Scott at www.golf-tours-thailand.com.

Siam Country Club PATTAYA

Red Mountain PHUKET

Chiang Mai HighlandsCHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI

Santiburi Samui Country ClubKOH SAMUI

Blue Canyon Country Club PHUKET